MARO ITOJE has become the first English captain of the British and Irish Lions since Martin Johnson in 2001 after being placed in charge of the squad bound for Australia this summer.

Head coach Andy Farrell has turned to the 2017 and 2021 Lions tourist after he impressed while leading England during this year’s Six Nations, helping his team finish runners-up.

The 93-cap Saracens second row, who has also made six Test appearances for the Lions, was presented on stage in London where Farrell named his squad for the 10-fixture itinerary.