Sam Warburton to captain Wales in November Tests

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed Sam Warburton as the captain of the national team for the autumn internationals.

Wales are scheduled to take on Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa in November and attack coach Rob Howley will be in charge of the team in the absence of regular coach Warren Gatland, who has taken a sabbatical to prepare for the British and Irish Lions role.

Howley confirmed the news on Warburton and highlighted the 27-year-old's vast experience will help the team take a stride forward.

"Sam Warburton is a great captain," said Howley, who is in charge of Wales throughout this season while Lions head coach Gatland concentrates on plotting the All Blacks' downfall.

"He captained the Lions, he will continue to captain Wales. I have spoken to Sam already, and he will captain us for the autumn series and into the Six Nations.

"I believe at this moment in time that Sam Warburton is the best captain to take us forward.

"He has, of course, done it (led the Lions) once, and I am sure he is in other people's thoughts to captain again, but the challenge for all players will be the autumn series and the Six Nations."

Warburton successfully led the Lions team to a 2-1 series victory in 2013 tour of Australia and is also among the favourites to lead the team in 2017 tour of New Zealand. The back-row will face stiff competition from England captain Dylan Hartley, who captained the red rose team to a Grand Slam victory and a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia in 2016.

The 45-year-old acknowledged England's progress in the last one-year after Eddie Jones took over as the head coach and is looking forward to challenge the Six Nations champions next year.

"It's a challenge for ourselves, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy," Howley added. "Eddie Jones has come in and they have played nine, won nine.

"As Eddie said, he mentioned in a quote that England should win (or challenge for) the (Six Nations) championship every year, so it's for all of us to do something about it and make sure we challenge that area.

"It was great to see their three Tests over in Australia. They've got their house in order under Eddie, and it is something we look forward to. It's at the Principality Stadium (Wales' Six Nations clash against England on February 11), and it's a date in the calendar."