Paul O'Connell was on Tuesday named as the captain of the British and Irish Lions squad that will tour South Africa later this year.
The 29-year-old Ireland lock was handed the role ahead of his compatriot Brian O'Driscoll, the man who captained Ireland to their Grand Slam triumph in this season's Six Nations.
An aggressive ball-carrier and accomplished line-out operator with a reputation as the most feared second-row forward in the northern hemisphere, O'Connell will lead the 37-man squad named by Scot Ian McGeechan, who was also the Lions coach when they last won a series, in South Africa in 1997.
O'Driscoll was one of 14 Ireland players included in the squad but there was no place for the captains of England, Scotland and Wales with Steve Borthwick, Mike Blair and Ryan Jones all missing out.
Wales provides 13 members of the squad, England will be represented by eight players while the Scots contingent will number just two.
McGeechan said he had opted for O'Connell because of the leadership qualities he demonstrated in leading Munster to victory in the European Cup last year.
"Paul O'Connell has shown over his career that he is a natural leader both on and off the field," McGeechan said.
"He leads from the front on the field and as a quality international has the respect of his fellow players all over the world.
"As a member of the 2005 tour to New Zealand he played in five matches including three Tests so knows all about the ethos and challenges of Lions tours.
"I look forward to working with him and the entire squad over the coming months as we strive to develop a side that can add a successful chapter in the long history of the Lions."
O'Connell added: "To be selected for a second Lions tour is fantastic and to be asked to captain the squad is a tremendous honour. It is not only a great honour for me but an honour for Munster and Ireland.
"The tour to South Africa represents a huge challenge for the touring party as we will be playing against the world champions. However, I am confident we have the talent and attitude to represent the famous shirt to the best of our ability and to be successful."
Lions fans will be hoping O'Connell can provide the kind of leadership delivered by Martin Johnson, who had yet to become England captain when he led McGeechan's successful squad in 1997, and by the legendary Willie John McBride, another Irish lock who led the 1974 tourists to a series win.
The Lions will play ten matches in South Africa, starting against a Highveld XV on May 30 and culminating in the third and final Test against the Springboks on July 4.
Copyright 2009 AFP Global Edition
