'He gave Dylan Hartley a bit of a lesson that day' - Warren Gatland hails Rory Best

Rory Best has come out as favorite for the captaincy of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year after Warren Gatland hailed the progression of the Irish captain’s leadership skills as the most remarkable of all his rivals.

Gatland’s appreciation for Best arrived when one of the main contenders for the Lions job, England captain Dylan Hartley, found himself in trouble after committing an offence worthy of a red card against Leinster.

Hartley, who was sent-off by match referee Jérôme Garcès (FFR) for a swinging arm tackle to the head of Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien during Saints defeat on Friday night, will appear before a European Professional Club Rugby hearing next week.

The 30-year-old has served 54 weeks of suspensions in his career so far and might end up facing another lengthy ban which may see him miss England’s opening Six Nations 2017 tournament match against France on February 4th.

Gatland, who left Best out of his original squad for the Australia tour in 2013, conceded the Ireland hooker had since proved him wrong.

“There is no doubt Rory Best has done a really good job,” said Gatland.

“He looks comfortable. We didn’t take him initially in 2013 [to Australia] because we felt his line-out throwing was not good enough. He has obviously improved enormously.

“He is scrummaging well, he is experienced. He has grown into that leadership role. There is a lot to admire about Rory Best. I go back to a couple of years ago when Ulster went over to Northampton and he gave Dylan Hartley a bit of a lesson in forward play and hooking that day. It was another level.”