Wales star Alun Wyn Jones confirmed as British Lions captain as England trio snubbed for South Africa tour

ALUN WYN JONES has been named Lions captain.

The Wales skipper – rugby’s most-capped player with 157 Tests to his name – will lead Warren Gatland’s side in South Africa against the reigning world champions.

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Alun Wyn Jones will captain the Lions this summer[/caption]

Jones has played all nine Tests across the last three series and the 35-year-old second-row is one of the most-respected figures in the game.

After the historic achievement and ahead of his fourth tour, Jones said: “I am very proud and privileged.

“It’s a huge privilege to be selected in the squad – and to have the armband as well as that, is a privilege with the names that have gone before.

“I had a call from Gats on Sunday evening, actually a missed call, so I gave him a call back and we had a good chat and I accepted.

“I kept it pretty tight on the request from Gats. A lot of things get out somehow, but it was kept tight on my end.

“This time of year it is always the hot topic and it is nice that it is out now.

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The Lions are regarded as the best of the best and this is the biggest challenge in rugby.

Warren Gatland

“As a rugby player you want to be involved in these Test matches you see as a child growing up. The significance of this isn’t lost on me.”

Sam Warburton, skipper in 2013 and 2017 said: “I am so excited for him.

“He played exceptionally well in the Six Nations and led Wales to the Championship – his rugby CV is pretty much complete now. He has completed rugby.”

The Lions haven’t won in South Africa since 1997 and face a huge challenge taking on the Boks without their infamous Red Army of travelling fans.

Gatland added: “To put on that Lions jersey is incredibly special.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be on a number of Lions tours and seeing those players put the jersey on for the first time – you can see the pride in their faces.

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Warren Gatland is in charge of the Lions in South Africa[/caption]

“It’s about understanding what has come before you and the famous players who have worn the iconic jersey and those who will come after you.

“The Lions are regarded as the best of the best and this is the biggest challenge in rugby.

“Once you’ve been selected, once you’ve played for the Lions, that is something that can never ever be taken away from you.”

England stars Kyle Sinckler, Manu Tuilagi and Billy Vunipola have all been snubbed from the touring party.

And in come boaters and tour rookies Sam Simmonds and Jonny Hill – as well as Bundee Aki and Chris Harris.

Courtney Lawes also made the final cut despite being out with injury.

Warren Gatland named his 37-man squad that is also without Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton and England’s flying winger Jonny May.

The coach said: “We believe we’ve picked a squad capable of winning a Test series in South Africa.

“Selecting a Lions squad is never easy and, in many ways, this has been the most challenging selection I have been involved in.

“Over the course of the last three weeks the coaches and I have rigorously debated each position. We saw some outstanding performances in the recent Six Nations, so competition for places has been tough with some incredibly tight calls to make.

“However, we are very happy with the squad we have assembled and look forward to meeting up in Jersey in just over a month’s time to start our preparation to take on the World Champions.

We’ve left out some very talented players which gives an indication to the strength of this squad and we know how important that standby list will be.

“Being selected for a Lions Tour is the greatest honour for a British and Irish player and I congratulate everyone named today.”