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Alyn Wyn Jones could take over as Wales captain for their Six Nations game against Italy on 5 February

Sam Warburton potentially stepping down as Wales captain shows how selfless he is, according to former Wales international Emyr Lewis.

Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones is the prime contender to replace the 28-year-old as skipper from the Six Nations.

"It's a massive decision. He's been the captain for so long and it shows his integrity," Lewis told BBC Radio Wales.

"It shows how unselfish he is and he's put the Welsh team at the forefront of his reasoning behind it."

Jones has won 105 caps for Wales since making his Test debut against Argentina in 2006 and will take over as captain from the start of the Six Nations.

Wales begin their campaign against Italy on Sunday, 5 February and interim coach Rob Howley is due to name his squad on Tuesday, 17 January.

"I know he's come out with a decision saying the reason behind it is because he wants to concentrate on his own form," Lewis continued.

"If he was a selfish person he would have stayed as captain as it would have been far harder for Howley to drop him."

Warburton, 28, first captained Wales in 2011 and was made the youngest captain of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia in 2013.

Lewis says Jones is a good choice to take over, adding: "In fairness he's stood aside, the likelihood is they are going to give the captaincy to Alun Wyn Jones, who's more or less 100% sure of his place in the side.

"Everyone's got respect for him and it's going to be an interesting battle now for the number seven position."