Gatland said: "Sam is a great player, an outstanding leader and a winning Lions captain. On the eve of the announcement Warburton attended a private dinner with all the living Lions captains and said following his announcement: "Being in the same room as so many Lions legends was an amazing experience. Held amid much fanfair in west London tonight, the announcement of Warburton as skipper wasn't a complete surprise. Related Content Rugby: Lions name team to tackle All Blacks Rugby: Player profiles of the 41 Lions Video Watch: Warren Gatland names Lions team to tame All BlacksFlanker Warburton, 28, stepped down from the Wales captaincy ahead of this season's Six Nations Championship. The Lions play three tests, a match against the New Zealand Maori and all five New Zealand Super Rugby sides.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 19, 2017 11:38 UTC