Rugby

Dan Lydiate will captain Wales in absence of Sam Warburton

Welsh captain suffered from concussion in Sunday’s defeat to England in Twickenham

Sam Warburton of Wales gives the thumbs up as he leaves the field on a stretcher during the defeat at Twickenham Stadium. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Sam Warburton of Wales gives the thumbs up as he leaves the field on a stretcher during the defeat at Twickenham Stadium. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
Tue Mar 15 2016 - 11:26

Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate will captain Wales for the first time in a Test match when Wales conclude their Six Nations campaign against Italy on Saturday.

Lydiate takes over leadership duties from Sam Warburton, who suffered concussion during last weekend's 25-21 loss to England at Twickenham and has been given more time to recover.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland makes four changes from the England clash, with Justin Tipuric replacing Warburton, lock Luke Charteris in for Alun Wyn Jones, scrumhalf Rhys Webb replacing Gareth Davies and wing Hallam Amos taking over from Alex Cuthbert.

The Welsh Rugby Union said that Jones has a heel problem, while Cuthbert is nursing a foot injury.

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