Alun Wyn Jones: Captain of Wales must lead British and Irish lions this summer, says James Hook | Rugby Union news

Alun Wyn Jones is the captain of Wales to four wins over six nations; Wales denied the Grand Slam by France’s final blow in a defeat in Paris on Saturday; former Wales teammate James Hook believes Jones should be Warren Gatland’s captain for this year’s Lions tour

Warren Gatland must choose Alun Wyn Jones as his captain of the British and Irish Lions after coming to the edge of leading Wales at the Grand Slam, says James Hook.

Jones led Wales to impressive victories over Ireland, Scotland, England and Italy during this year’s Six Nations, but were denied their first Grand Slam under Wayne Beer when France defeated them with its last breath in Paris on Saturday.

Wales are still hoping for a strong tournament win, and France need a bonus of at least 21 points over Scotland on Friday to snatch the title, but the thoughts of their players will now begin to turn to the Lions this summer’s tour against South Africa.

Jones already has experience leading the Lions, leading them in their 41-16 win over Australia over Australia in 2013 in the absence of Sam Warburton, and Hook believes the 35-year-old should be given a chance to do so again when Gatland appoints his team in May .

Hook – who has played over 80 times for Wales and on tour with the Lions in 2009 – told Heavenly sports news: “I think it has to be.

“You watch last night’s performance of Alun Wyn and watch his performance throughout the Six Nations, especially after returning a few months after the injury.

“How can he not be the captain of the Lions after that?”

Hook played alongside Jones with Ospreys, but also Wales, and from home he watched his former teammate come in seconds after leading the team to fame in Paris.

Looking back on the game, Hook said: “It was a broken heart. I think both teams were absolutely fantastic. Everything was left out on the pitch.

“It was a brave, courageous effort by Wales. I thought they attacked really well. But France, the way they held possession to see that match was amazing.

“We can still win the championship, but we were so close to winning the Grand Slam. But it wasn’t like that, and you have to pay tribute to France as well.

“It was probably one of the best games I’ve ever seen in Six Nations.”

Wales ’defeat was full of controversial moments, including Judge Luke Pearce’s decision to oust Frenchman Paul Willemse over eye contact with Wyn Jones when he cleared it of rubble.

France head coach Fabian Galthie has accused Wales – who saw three opponents handing out red cards in five Six Nations games – of trying to exclude opposition players.

But Hook dismissed Galthie’s comments, saying, “I have to disagree with that. I think it was a clear red card.

At first when I saw it I thought, “probably yellow.” But when you see it in slow motion, he cleaned Wyn Jones and grabbed him by the eyeball.

“It’s not a good look, and it was a red card.”