Warburton leads as CJ Stander becomes a Lion

Published Apr 19, 2017

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LONDON – Sam Warburton will captain the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand, tour manager John Spencer said on Wednesday, as the squad was announced.

The 28-year-old Wales loose forward, who skippered the combined side on their victorious 2013 tour of Australia, becomes just the second man after England great Martin Johnson (1997 and 2001) to lead the Lions on two tours.

In addition, former South African Under-20 captain CJ Stander, who is now part of the Ireland Test team, also made the group.

Loose forward Stander, who used to play for the Bulls, left South Africa in 2012 and has become a household name at Irish club Munster.

The 27-year-old has earned 15 Test caps for Ireland.

A significant omission was that of England captain and hooker Dylan Hartley.

The Lions, coached by Warren Gatland once more, will play in three Tests in June and July against the world champion All Blacks.

British and Irish Lions Squad

Backs

Fullback/wings: Elliot Daly (ENG), Anthony Watson (ENG), Lee Halfpenny (WAL), Liam Williams (WAL), George North (WAL), Stuart Hogg (SCO), Jack Nowell (ENG), Jared Payne (IRL), Tommy Seymour (SCO).

Centres:

Ben Te’o (ENG), Jonathan Davies (WAL), Owen Farrell (ENG), Robbie Henshaw (IRL), Jonathan Joseph (ENG).

Flyhalves: Jonathan Sexton (IRL), Dan Biggar (WAL).

Scrumhalves: Conor Murray (IRL), Rhys Webb (WAL), Ben Youngs (ENG).

Forwards

Back rows: Taulupe Faletau (WAL), Billy Vunipola (ENG), Sam Warburton (WAL, captain), Sean O’Brien (IRL), CJ Stander (IRL), Ross Moriarty (WAL), Peter O’Mahony (IRL), Justin Tipuric (WAL).

Locks: Maro Itoje (ENG), Alun Wyn Jones (WAL), Iain Henderson (IRL), George Kruis (ENG), Courtney Lawes (ENG).

Tighthead props:

Tadhg Furlong (IRL), Dan Cole (ENG), Kyle Sinckler (ENG)

Hookers: Jamie George (ENG), Rory Best (IRL), Ken Owens (WAL).

Loosehead props: Mako Vunipola (ENG), Joe Marler (ENG), Jack McGrath (IRL).

AFP

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