Former Gloucester Rugby prop Phil Vickery described captaining the British and Irish Lions against Western Province as "the biggest day of my rugby career".

The Lions narrowly got past the South African side 26-23 thanks to a late penalty from Welshman James Hook, but Vickery was thrilled to be given the honour of leading the team out.

"It is probably the biggest day of my rugby career," he said.

"Being asked to captain the British and Irish Lions for me is beyond words.

"In years to come I will be able to look back and say I am extremely proud of that.

"All we can do is our very best and we managed to get the win, so now I can retire from captaincy with a 100 per cent win record.

"I have never captained the side before. I was captain for a few minutes a couple of games ago when Dricco (Brian O'Driscoll) went off, but I have never captained a Lions team – it is very special for me and for the family and all the people and friends who know me. It is fantastic."

Vickery, who currently plays for Gloucester's Guinness Premiership rivals, London Wasps, helped England lift the World Cup in 2003 and captained his country in the 2007 World Cup.

He also appeared on the 2001 Lions tour to Australia and has played some part in all but one of the five games on tour so far.

However, he admits being named captain does not necessarily guarantee him a spot in the starting line-up for the first test next Saturday against South Africa.

"Well it could, it depends on which way you look at it," he added.

"It could be 'lets give Phil the captaincy today because he is going to be disappointed on Wednesday when the team for the first Test is announced'.

"Or it could be a sign that yes you are in with a good chance of the first Test."