Tongan born Welsh Number 8, Taulupe Faletau, will captain Wales against Italy this weekend in the Six Nations Championship. The 27-year-old has 70 caps for Wales and is widely considered to be the best Number 8 in the world.

Faletau’s captaincy was revealed yesterday in an official announcement of the Welsh team to play Italy in Cardiff on 11 March.

Wales Coach Warren Gatland said in a statement: “It’s a big step for him, I spoke to him and asked him if he would be keen to do the job…”

“He’s a world class player and it’s an opportunity to get more out of him in terms of his leadership qualities and development in building up to 2019.”

“It is a great opportunity for Taulupe, he is a world class player, hugely experienced and this will be great for his development and we are looking forward to seeing those leadership qualities come through.”

Wales are currently positioned fourth in the 2018 Six Nation Championship and are too far behind on points to catch up with table leaders Ireland. Wales will play their last game of the championships next week against France.

A highly anticipated showdown between Ireland and England next week will decide the winner of the tournament.