Conor Murray has been named as the new British and Irish Lions captain for the tour of South Africa after Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out through injury.
Warren Gatland has confirmed tonight that Murray, 31, takes over the responsibility from the Welsh veteran, who suffered a suspected broken collarbone in today's 28-10 victory over Japan at Murrayfield.
Participating in his third Lions tour, the Munster and Ireland scrum-half gets the nod over England duo Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell, who were expected to go up against another Welshman, Ken Owens, for the captaincy.
James Ryan was not considered to fill the void caused by Wyn Jones' withdrawal after the Leinster star suffered a minor injury in training this week that is set to rule him out of captaining Ireland against the USA and Japan.
Instead, Gatland has turned to Welshman Adam Beard ahead of Ryan, who has been appointed as Ireland captain for the upcoming Summer Series against Japan and the USA.
Thus Ireland's contingent in the travel party remains at seven, with all of them doing well when handed starts in today's opening game of this Lions tour.
The last Irishman to skipper the Lions in a Test game was Peter O'Mahony, in the first Test against New Zealand four years ago, while Murray is following in the footsteps of another Munster man in Paul O'Connell, who led the Lions on their last tour of South Africa in 2009.
Flanker Justin Tupuric is another casualty and his place in the Lions squad is taken by fellow Welshman Josh Navidi.
"We’re all incredibly disappointed for Alun Wyn and Justin," said Gatland.
"The timing of these injuries seem particularly cruel given we fly to South Africa tomorrow, but unfortunately they’re part of the game.
"Alun Wyn will obviously be a big loss, both on and off the field, but will be ably replaced by Connor.
"Conor is an outstanding rugby player and is held in the highest regard with both the players and coaches. As a three-time Lions tourist, he knows what will be required as captain and I am certain he will lead the squad with excellence. He will also be well supported by an experienced leadership group.
"We plan for Adam and Josh to join up with the touring party before we depart for South Africa tomorrow evening."
Exeter Chiefs quartet, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Stuart Hogg, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds will also link up with the 37-man touring party as planned in Edinburgh on Sunday 27 June.
