Source : ABC NEWS
Maro Itoje of England will captain the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia later this year.
The 93-cap veteran, who made his Lions debut as a 22-year-old in New Zealand in 2017, was announced at a fans event by coach Andy Farrell in London on Thursday.
He captained England to a second-place finish in this year’s Six Nations in his first five matches since taking over from Jamie George.
“It is hard to articulate. It is tremendous honour, a tremendous privilege,” Itoje said.
“You think about the people who have held this position before and it is remarkable.
“It is an honour and I will do my very best so that I can contribute to a successful tour.“
Itoje is the first Englishman to captain the Lions in 24 years, following from World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson.
The 30-year-old Saracens lock has twice toured with the Lions in his career, playing in all six possible Tests.
“The captain is the beacon. He is the leader, he is the person everyone looks up to,” Farrell told the event at London’s O2 Arena.
“Not only because he is outstanding at his profession, but how he makes others feel.
“It takes a special person, that’s for sure.”
Itoje was only named captain of his club side, Saracens, this season and then took over as skipper of England at the start of the year.
Despite former coach Eddie Jones having questions over his captaincy, the towering lock was always considered captaincy material, ever since leading England to the Under 20 World Cup title in 2014.
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