Reports from the BBC suggest that Sam Warburton is set to step down as captain of Wales after six years and 49 tests.
The Cardiff Blues flanker, 28, first captained the Welsh in 2011 and has also led the British & Irish Lions to a 2-1 series win in Australia in 2013.
Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones, 105 times capped, is the favourite to replace him and would surely signal Warren Gatland’s first choice to captain the Lions in New Zealand this summer.
Under Warbs’ guidance on the field Wales have reached a World Cup semi-final (2011), World Cup quarter-final (2015), a Six Nations Grand Slam (2012) and a Six Nations crown (2013).
Speaking with BBC Radio Wales, former Wales international Emyr Lewis said: “It’s a massive decision. He’s been the captain for so long and it shows his integrity.
“It shows how unselfish he is and he’s put the Welsh team at the forefront of his reasoning behind it.”
Rob Howley isn’t due to name his squad for the Six Nations until next week; however, the indications are that Warburton will relinquish the captains role to focus on his own form and fitness, especially as Justin Tipuric and Thomas Young are putting pressure on the number seven jersey.
Former Wales skipper Gareth Llewellyn reckons Warburton still has an important role with Wales whether or not he is captain.
“If Sam Warburton is fit and firing on all cylinders that’s a good thing, he’s still going to be there as a senior player, supporting whoever takes over,” he told BBC Radio Wales.
“In fairness to Sam, I don’t think he’s ever thought he is an automatic choice, like any captain, you’ve got to earn your spot first.”
Llewellyn also added: “I guess it potentially writes off any Lions captaincy chances though not totally. He needs to get picked to play for Wales, then he needs to play well enough for Wales to get picked for the Lions.”
Jones, 31, is a hugely respected figure in the game and has previously led Wales as well as the Lions in the final test of 2013 after Warburton was ruled out through injury. His appointment would be welcomed, although at the age of 31 it may be a stop gap whilst Wales look to bring someone through to replace him possibly after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
The Welsh Rugby Union have refused to comment, further fuelling the rumours that Warburton is set to step down.
Wales have Italy first up in the Six Nations on 5 February in Rome.
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