One eye on summer as Doris and Itoje showcase leadership skills

With the British and Irish Lions Tour around the corner Caelan Doris and Maro Itoje will be hoping to showcase their captaincy skills for Head Coach Andy Farrell.

SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Ireland captain Caelan Doris will come up against England captain Maro Itoje in this weekends 6N opener. Picture: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Old rivals, new leaders, one intriguing subplot. The pre-match coin toss isn’t usually a source of anticipation but the sight of Caelan Doris and Maro Itoje shaking hands and swapping stares will be catnip for anyone with one eye on a certain trip to Australia this year.

Both men have been promoted to the role of on-field general in recent times. Doris was handed the reins permanently last November. Itoje will wear the England armband for from the off for the first time when he turns up at the Aviva Stadium.