Hastings tips O'Driscoll to lead Lions

Former Lions captain Gavin Hastings has tipped Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll to pip Paul O'Connell when head coach Ian McGeechan decides who should lead the team to South Africa.

O'Driscoll and O'Connell have been celebrating Ireland's Grand Slam triumph following Saturday's victory over Wales in Cardiff.

McGeechan will name his Lions squad next month, with the ten-week trip to South Africa beginning in May.

Regarding the captaincy, Hastings told BBC Radio Five Live: ‘Undoubtedly it's going to be between Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell.

‘With Brian having lifted Ireland's first Grand Slam in 61 years he's probably going to be favourite though.

‘Paul O'Connell is a wonderful leader of the team as well.

‘In this day and age of rugby there's normally four or five leaders on the field and that will continue with the Lions.

‘I just think Brian O'Driscoll has played so well this year it would almost be a fitting tribute to the way he has played were he to be named Lions skipper.’