Maro Itoje to be named British & Irish Lions captain for Australia tour

Yesterday at 15:52

• Itoje to be first English Lions captain in 24 years
• 40-strong squad to be announced at O2 on Thursday

Maro Itoje will be named captain of the British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia on Thursday, the Guardian understands. Itoje is set to become the first Englishman to lead the Lions in 24 years when he is unveiled as part of Andy Farrell's squad announcement at a live event at the O2.

Itoje, the England captain, became the overwhelming favourite for the role when it emerged Caelan Doris had suffered a shoulder injury last weekend that required surgery. The Ireland captain is a doubt for the tour of Australia, clearing the way for Itoje to be selected as captain and lead what is understood to be a 40-strong squad.