Rugby-Gareth Thomas named new Lions captain

Updated: June 25, 2005, 7:21 PM ET
Reuters

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, June 26 - Welsh winger Gareth Thomas has been named as captain of the British and Irish Lions team on tour in New Zealand after Brian O'Driscoll was ruled out of the rest of the series through injury.

O'Driscoll's tour came to an end when he dislocated his shoulder in the second minute of Saturday's 21-3 defeat by the All Blacks.

Lions coach Clive Woodward said on Sunday that Thomas was an outstanding player and a natural leader.

"After last night's match, we are going to need big characters out there who can dig deep and show real fight and courage. Gareth is such a character," said Woodward.

Thomas, 30, took over the captaincy of Wales at the start of this year. His country went on to win the Six Nations although he missed the second half of the championship after breaking his thumb against France.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

ESPN Conversations

comments