Warren Gatland has said that the British and Irish Lions captain will not be guaranteed a place in the starting XV.

Brian O'Driscoll, Sam Warburton and Chris Robshaw are among the favourites to captain the side on the tour of Australia in the summer.

The Lions coach told The Times: "I am not getting hung up on the captaincy. Look at the quality and depth we have in certain positions and the leaders we will have.

"The captain's name won't be the first we write down for any match, there are no guarantees, we just pick the best starting team.

"At no stage of the tour will we be choosing the captain if there is someone better in that position."

Gatland confirmed that he has a player in mind to lead the side, but that he has not spoken to him yet.