Lions leadership race down to three

AND THEN there were three.Three months to go before the British and Irish Lions are in camp at their Surrey training base; three rounds of this season’s selection-defining Six Nations Championship left; and three stand-out candidates for the coveted Lions captaincy.

Those based north of the border might throw in a fourth option – current Scotland skipper Mike Blair – but it is difficult to envisage Lions boss Ian McGeechan straying outside a choice between Paul O’Connell, Ryan Jones or Brian O’Driscoll.

It is a trio of proven leaders, either on the international stage or in a similarly high-octane environment generated by Heineken Cup rugby.