'Doris has edge over Itoje for Lions captaincy'

Former British and Irish Lions winger Tommy Seymour believes Ireland back row Caelan Doris will get the nod to lead the summer's tour to Australia.

Doris and England lock Maro Itoje have been tipped as contenders to captain the Lions.

However, Seymour believes the existing connection Doris and head coach Andy Farrell have built during their time together with Ireland will sway the decision in the Leinster skipper's favour.

"What I think it will come down to, if I'm a coach it's so critical, from a messaging point of view, that you get that across as early as possible," 2017 tourist Seymour said on BBC Radio Ulster.

"There's a finite amount of time you have from a preparation point of view and bringing a squad together.

"That's how squads are made up, in of personalities and who is going to gel the best."

Farrell will name his captain and squad for the tour of Australia at a live event in London on 8 May.

The tour takes place over seven weeks, with the Test matches against Joe Schmidt's Australia being played from on 19 July, 26 July and 2 August.

Seymour said that Itoje's form while leading England to second place - above Ireland - in the Six Nations has brought him into the conversation about leading the Lions in the summer.

"Prior to the Six Nations, I think Maro Itoje was fighting for a starting spot," the former Scotland wing added.

"It's testament to how he has played that we're no longer talking about him being a potential start, but for the captaincy.

"He [Farrell] will be thinking, 'what does my captain know about me to tell other players how I like to see things and how I like to do things">