Sam Warburton has tipped Jac Morgan to captain Wales in the future and insists the Ospreys star will make a big impact in the upcoming Six Nations.
Warren Gatland has named Ken Owens his skipper for the Six Nations but at the age of 36 it is very much a short term appointment.
The New Zealander admitted he considered going for a younger captain and Warburton, who captained Wales at the age of 22, believes Morgan is a serious contender to lead his country after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
SIGN UP: Get the latest Six Nations headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our daily newsletter
"He's got a great future," said Warburton. "This is a really key tournament for him.
"He has got all the attributes - speed, strength, power, quality - and also his professionalism and mindset towards the game.
"I am hoping he stays injury-free so he can continue to build on this momentum. He looks a proper Test seven to me.
"He dominates in the physical contact, he does a lot of the unsung work, he is going to secure 20-30 rucks a game for you.
"The basics you need a seven to do he does brilliantly, and I think himself and Justin (Tipuric) would make a great pairing.
"I don't know him personally. He has come through the system in a leadership role, and everyone speaks very highly of him.
"He sounds like a character who could go on to be a Wales captain. I think there are some young contenders who you would be very confident to put the captaincy in their hands (post-World Cup)."
Wales have an embarrassment of riches in the back-row and Gatland will have a welcome selection headache in this department.
Warburton, who was widely regarded as one of the best opensides in the world during his playing days, thinks the back-row will have a very Ospreys feel to it.
"I think Justin is someone who certainly plays given his experience, and his leadership credentials," he said. "I think Morgan is in the front running as well and Taulupe Faletau is nailed on for No 8.
"That's what I see the trio starting but as for the championship but I think we will see Christ Tshiunza play at six at some point and I think Wainwright will get a run whether he comes off the bench or plays in that 6/8 hybrid role."
Following an abysmal autumn campaign, which saw Wales suffer the embarrassment of losing their first ever test match to Georgia, you would be hard pressed to find anyone giving the men in red a chance of competing in this Six Nations.
But the return of Gatland has increased expectations ahead of the championship opener against Ireland in three weeks' time.
Warburton believes Wales have a lot of catching up to do but insists they have a realistic chance of beating the world's number one ranked team at the Principality Stadium next month.
Who will win the Six Nations? Cast your vote now
"It looks like Ireland and France are going to be almost dead-certs to finish one and two, so I think from a fans' perspective, third place would be a pretty successful campaign, but I can't imagine for a second that would be the communication from Warren," said Warburton.
"I think he will want to hit the ground running. There is not a lot you can change from when he was appointed to the first game, but what you can change is the environment, the belief and the messages that you instil in the players, which can have a massive effect, particularly from someone like Warren, who is held in such high regard.
"You have got to get the boys to want to run through bricks walls for you, but that will come with the click of the fingers.
"He will love it. He is an international coach, I don't think he's a club coach, who needs to be in the pressure-cooker of an international environment, being in the middle of the pitch in front of 75,000.
"That's him in his comfort zone. He has got those unflappable characteristics. It is a great asset that he has, and that rubs off on all the guys.
"I thought I was going to be very pessimistic for this Six Nations but I'm actually unusually excited and I think an upset against Ireland isn't off the cards with them coming to Cardiff.
"It's a massive, massive game. If we lose that game we've got three away games. If we win that game it completely changes the outlook of that tournament and blows it wide open.
"I think there'll be an enormous emphasis on beating Ireland and if they can then you could be looking at some big upsets moving forward."
Sage is the Official Insights Partner of Six Nations Rugby and will be powering the Smart Ball during the Guinness Six Nations #SageInsights
READ MORE:
Warren Gatland disappointed WRU blocked Rob Howley appointment and insists he should be forgiven
The unlucky Wales players as Gatland's decision puts international careers in jeopardy
Teddy Williams is Gatland's biggest shock as he follows much-loved late father and uncle
Warren Gatland Q&A: 'Exciting' new player reminds me of Wales legend and why Ken is my captain
Gatland suggests Pivac should have retired senior players sooner and admits job is tougher than 2008
