Itoje backed as skipper

Rugby: Former British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has backed England lock Maro Itoje to lead the side on their tour of South Africa later this year as he believes none of the other candidates are guaranteed to start the first test.

Warburton skippered the Lions in Australia in 2013 and New Zealand four years later, and says Itoje has the leadership qualities needed for what is likely to be a bruising series against the world champion Springboks.

Warburton believes the biggest factor in favour of Itoje is his status as potentially the only captaincy contender certain to start the first test, saying coach Warren Gatland will not want to have his selection decisions swayed by who is wearing the armband. — Reuters