Brian O'Driscoll picks Irish 'leader' to captain Lions for Australia tour

Brian O'Driscoll believes Ireland skipper Caelan Doris should be the number one choice to captain the British and Irish Lions next summer. Andy Farrell will coach the side heading to Australia in 2025, which will include three Test matches against the Wallabies.

It will be a huge challenge for the touring Lions, and one that will require the necessary leadership to navigate the side through some high-pressure games in front of partisan crowds.

It will be a series Farrell will be desperate to win, and add his own name to some of the legendary coaches who have led successful Lions teams in the past.

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Former Ireland centre O'Driscoll believes Irish number eight Doris is the perfect candidate to lead the squad.

O'Driscoll said on TNT Sports: "I agree. I don't think there is anyone really putting their hand up, you know?

"I think if you look at likely captains, why has Maro Itoje not captained England? Why has he only captained the Saracens this year for the first time?

"He was earmarked coming through England's Under 20s. Eddie Jones has his own version of events. It just feels as though there's a missing link there.

"The one thing I think works for and against Doris, is that I do think it has the potential to be quite Irish heavy. And so if you want the coaches you know well, do you pick the captain as well? Is that important? Or could you find an alternative?

"If you look for guaranteed starters, I don't think there is a million of them right now. You couldn't say Gibson-Park isn't going to be captain. I know it's hard to pick your number 10. The centres are still unknown, the back three. I think there are a lot of positions.

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"Ben Earl has to be in the back row, you would suggest. But you know, he hasn't captained his club team or national team.

"I just don't think there's that much leadership roaring 'I'm going to be starting so put me in'."

Former Welsh centre Jamie Roberts agrees with O'Driscoll. He said: "I agree with you Brian. I think it is Doris's to lose.

"I think if Ireland go well, he's captaining a good Irish side, it's his to lose. With Farrell as coach, he will want some familiarity."

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