Conor Murray admits surprise at elevation to British and Irish Lions captaincy

"I tried to call my girlfriend Joanna, but her phone was on 1% as usual"

Conor Murray has been appointed British and Irish Lions captain after Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out of the tour to South Africa by a dislocated shoulder. PIcture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Conor Murray admits even he was surprised to be appointed British and Irish Lions captain after Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out of the tour to South Africa by a dislocated shoulder.

The Limerick man, who has no captaincy experience with either Munster or Ireland, is favourite to start the Test series at scrum-half.