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O'Connell handed captain's armband for Six Nations

Paul O’Connell has replaced the injured Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland captain for the 2012 RBS Six Nations.

PAUL O’CONNELL WILL take over the captain’s armband when Ireland begin their RBS Six Nations campaign against Wales on 5 February.

The Munster skipper has been chosen by coach Declan Kidney to lead out the national side out in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll who is continuing his recovery following surgery on an injured shoulder.

O’Connell, who has 82 international caps, has captained Ireland on a number of occasions in the past, most recently in the World Cup warm-ups against England last August.

“The greatest ambition in a player’s career is to play for your country, so to captain Ireland is a huge honour for me and I was delighted when Declan asked me to,” O’Connell said as the squad began their preparations for the tournament with a two-day training camp in Carton House, Maynooth.

“I have been lucky to have played for my country on 82 occasions and during that time I have always felt that the responsibility of leadership should not just rest on the shoulders of Brian and that the senior players are incredibly important.

“We are lucky in the Ireland squad that we have a couple of outstanding leaders across the pitch and I know that I will be relying on them during the Championship.”

Speaking following this morning’s announcement, Kidney said that his side has plenty of leaders capable of filling the void left by O’Driscoll’s absence.

“There are a number of players with strong leadership credentials in the squad who have always been supportive of the captaincy and will be important during the Championship,” Kidney said.

“Paul has always been one of those leaders in the squad and I was delighted that he accepted the honour and the responsibilities that it brings. I know that he will bring through his experience to the position in the Championship.”

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18 Comments
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    Mute Peter Kavanagh
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    Dec 30th 2011, 1:51 PM

    Hate that headline, man. Armband is a soccer term. Delighted for Paulie, though. The best choice in the absence of BOD.

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    Mute Elrat
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    Dec 30th 2011, 3:08 PM

    No way Sexton he can’t take the pressure playing not to mind as captain !

    41
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    Mute Conor Foley
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    Dec 30th 2011, 4:03 PM

    @ Elrat absolute horsesh1te

    19
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    Mute Phil Mc Donald
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    Dec 30th 2011, 4:26 PM

    Don’t feed him, Conor

    11
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    Mute Conor Gallagher
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    Dec 30th 2011, 2:10 PM

    After his role in the Northampton win for Leinster; is it time to consider Sexton as captain?

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    Mute Ted Power
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    Dec 30th 2011, 12:24 PM

    You mean O’Driscolls waist band!!

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Dec 30th 2011, 2:50 PM

    Sexton is the leader we need. But as kidney can’t just tell rog his time is up sexton is not certain of a game.
    POC is a leader and as a munster man his jersey is nailed on so he’s the best choice.

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    Mute Niall Roche
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    Dec 30th 2011, 6:47 PM

    Too soon for Sexton, way too soon! He is becoming an Irish legend and I’m sure he’ll be captain when the time is right! He does struggle in Irish jersey at the moment, he needs more time!

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    Mute olive tierney
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    Dec 31st 2011, 5:31 AM

    @niall, I agree with you 100% with your comment!!!!

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    Mute Hugh Chaloner
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    Dec 30th 2011, 12:36 PM

    Wonder who it might be after bod and Paulie retire? Jamie Heaslip?

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    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
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    Dec 30th 2011, 1:17 PM

    It’ll be Sean o’Brien me thinks

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    Mute Tom Keating
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    Dec 30th 2011, 2:30 PM

    I think Sexton will be the next Captain after BOD and POC retire. He’s the makings of one, a few more years and he’ll be ready.

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    Mute Ed Moran
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    Dec 30th 2011, 6:07 PM

    I met the guy in the airport bar the day before Christmas eve. A real gent.

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    Mute Kevin Maughan
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    Dec 30th 2011, 5:47 PM

    No better man.

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    Mute Tony Skillington
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    Dec 31st 2011, 2:42 AM

    1000% agree Kevin….man is a dynamo!

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    Mute damian
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    Dec 31st 2011, 12:31 AM

    By the time POC and BOD retire i think Sexton will be ready to captain the side. It’s not as though he is a kid! He’s mid-20s, so he’s coming to that stage of his career…

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    Mute Gearoid murphy
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    Dec 30th 2011, 4:26 PM

    Sexton maybe in the next 4 or 5 years but it would be way too soon to give him captancy in the next 2 or 3 years,i mean,who is to say he will even be 1t choice out half in the next 2 or 3 years,likes of Madigan and Keatly progressing through the ranks who is to say,it was also a crime not to give Humphrys a shot at the 10 jersey when Sexton was

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    Mute Elrat
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    Dec 30th 2011, 6:08 PM

    Couldn’t take the pressure in the biggest rugby tournament in the world !

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