"Conor will allow the other senior players to flourish more." - Roberts backs Gatland's captain selection
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Two-time British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts has backed Warren Gatland's decision to make Conor Murray his new Lions captain.
The centre believes the Lions boss has made a smart move in naming the Irish scrumhalf as the new skipper of the side after the selection caught many by surprise.
"He is a fascinating pick as skipper. Many thought it would be Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje or Ken Owens, but Gats’ decision will free up those guys." - Roberts wrote in his column in the Daily Mail.
"Conor is calmness personified. He is such an experienced player, with 89 Ireland caps, it’s his third Lions tour, he’s played international rugby for a decade, and he will allow the others to bring the juice without them having the burden of captaincy. It’s a really shrewd decision from Gats."
"I doubt he’ll be an aggressive voice in the dressing room or give big speeches. That will come from Dan Biggar and Farrell. He’s quiet but he backs himself and has a wonderful skill set." Roberts added before stating that "Conor will allow the other senior players to flourish more."
