Sam Warburton has been confirmed as the British & Irish Lions captain for the second Tour in a row.

Warburton will lead the tourists to New Zealand next month as they look to become the first Lions party to claim a Test series win over the All Blacks in 46 years.

Warburton joins Martin Johnson as the only two men to have captained two Lions parties in succession.

The Cardiff Blues flanker was skipper in 2013 as the Lions downed the Wallabies to claim their first series win in 16 years.

On the eve of the announcement Warburton attended a private dinner with all the living Lions captains in the Hilton Syon Park.

"It is hard to put into words, even four years later 2013 hasn't really sunk in, but last night with all the other captains and you see that company and who you are with," he said.

“Being in the same room as so many Lions legends was an amazing experience. I feel humbled and extremely proud to be given the opportunity to captain the Lions for a second Tour and look forward to playing the world champions on their own turf with the best players of the UK and Ireland at my side.”