Thursday 16 February 2017 12:33, UK
Warren Gatland has still not decided who will captain the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand - and says it won't necessarily be an established international skipper.
The Lions coach has been guarded so far on who he will pick to lead his team during this summer's tour, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Gatland has said previously he will consider a number of factors including performances in the Six Nations when deciding on his choice.
The New Zealander will name his squad on April 19, with Owen Farrell, Sam Warburton and Dylan Hartley all among those who could be in contention to spearhead the side.
Asked if his captain has to have the same role with his national side, Gatland told Sky Sports News HQ: "Not at all. Ideally [they will have] some captaincy experience.
"If you're looking at the squad, you're picking the Test team after the squad is selected and you're looking at the captain and asking if that person would be likely to be selected in a Test XV?
"That could be a swaying factor but there are no guarantees at the moment. It could be someone from left field.
"We'll definitely look at some individuals who are out there but we'll look at picking the squad at the moment then picking the captain afterwards.
"Everyone's obsessed about the captaincy, aren't they? Look, I've said all along there's some quality people in contention.
"The first thing for us is to pick the squad then look at it and ask who could captain the side in New Zealand.
"It would be a great honour for that person who does captain the team but the message to that person is: 'Fantastic, well done - but you've got to earn your place in that Test side'.
"If someone else is playing better than you in New Zealand, they'll be selected ahead of you."
