Thursday 16 February 2017 14:46, UK
Dylan Hartley's chances of leading the Lions have "gone backwards" with Alun Wyn Jones likely to captain the tourists in New Zealand, according to Gavin Hastings.
Hastings, who led the Lions on their 1993 tour of New Zealand, is one of three ex-Lions captains along with Martin Johnson and Brian O'Driscoll to back Jones for the role against the All Blacks.
Jones replaced Sam Warburton - the previous Lions captain - as Wales skipper in January.
Hartley has led England to 15 straight wins and, despite his poor disciplinary record for club side Northampton, had been touted for the Lions captaincy prior to the current Six Nations campaign.
With Hartley substituted before the hour-mark in both of England's Six Nations wins as he continues his comeback from injury, Hastings said: "I think Jones is out on his own. Dylan Hartley's gone backwards a wee bit.
"I think Jones is showing his characteristics as a leader of men. He's a guy that's been around the block more than once. No-one else (is in the frame)."
O'Driscoll, who led the Lions on the 2005 tour of New Zealand, believes Jones' likelihood to start in the Tests is a strong part of his captaincy credentials.
O'Driscoll said: "The front-runner has to be Alun Wyn Jones, he captained the Lions in the final game in 2013, he's respected in New Zealand and you have to anticipate he's going to be a Test starter. He certainly would be on my team.
"Alun Wyn is probably the front-runner at the moment but there's lots to happen between now and the announcement of the squad."
All 10 games of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand will be shown live on Sky Sports, starting June 3 2017.
