Ryan is man to lead Lions – Lyn

Apr 14 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

THE British Lions have been told to look no further than Ryan Jones as their skipper for next year’s tour to South Africa.

The message was delivered by Ospreys coach Lyn Jones following Saturday’s EDF Energy Cup triumph over Leicester at Twickenham.

Jones’ captaincy role for country and region has, according to Lyn, made him the stand-out choice to be the Lions’ leader.

The Ospreys chief reckons his namesake would be a huge success as Lions captain, in the mould of second-row legend Martin Johnson.

“I thought Ryan Jones’ captaincy was fantastic,” said Lyn.

“It was a big decision to make Ryan captain this year because Duncan Jones did so well.

“I thought his personality was spot on for captaincy. This weekend he took Martin Corry on at the captaincy role and I thought he edged it.

“For me, Ryan Jones is already captain of the Lions for next year.

“Ryan is a leader on the field. His performances are exemplary. He is hard on himself, he is hard on everybody else. He demands high standards.

“He is not a manager, he is a leader. He won’t go missing next year in South Africa.”

The Ospreys became the first Welsh side to win the EDF Energy Cup and Lyn Jones is convinced it is the first step to establishing the region as one of Europe’s powerhouses.

“Adam Jones was the oldest player in the front five at 27. James Hook is only 22,” he said.

Ospreys match report: pages 6&7