LONDON — Wales flanker Sam Warburton was Tuesday named captain of the British and Irish Lions for this year's tour of Australia. “Warren gave me a call a week ago Sunday so it's been nine or 10 days since I found out,” Warburton said at the squad announcement. “It's been the hardest secret I ever had to keep, but I kept it in. It's unbelievable, it's an accolade which very few people can achieve. To be able to do this is an honor.” England captain Chris Robshaw was a notable omission from the squad along with former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson and Ireland hooker Rory Best. Scotland winger Sean Maitland, England prop Mako Vunipola and former England prop Matt Stevens were among the surprise inclusions in the 37-man squad along with England hooker Dylan Hartley. “We finalized the squad last night,” coach Warren Gatland said. “We assembled yesterday afternoon as a coaching team, the seventh meeting we have had. It was a robust debate. There were some healthy discussions. The hardest thing about coaching is selection. Ideally you would like to take everyone. Some quality players have missed out.” — Reuters
