The captain is gone. Long live the new captain.
Paul O’Connell has retired from international rugby, but who will replace him as the Ireland rugby team’s captain?
According to the bookies, Rory Best is due to take up that mantel. The Ulster hooker is priced at 13/8 and very few would be surprised if he led Ireland out during the Six Nations.
However at 33, this appointment may appear short sighted. Many supporters will be suggesting that the side should be building towards the World Cup in four years time. Will a 37-year-old Best be playing at that tournament? Who knows.
Another option is Jamie Heaslip. He is priced at 2/1.
The Leinster number 8 captained Ireland before, but naysayers will argue that during this period Ireland were far from their best.
Another argument against Heaslip’s appointment is that he may not even start for the side, with CJ Stander breathing down his neck for that number 8 jersey.
Johnny Sexton is next on the list. The fly-half is priced at 4/1, but we think the St Mary’s clubman already has enough on his plate with the pressure of place-kicks and having to listen to people spout about his time at Racing Metro every thirty seconds.
If you’re looking for an outside bet, you could do worse than Rob Kearney. He is an automatic starter and has shown excellent leadership capabilities in the past. The Leinster man is priced at an attractive 33/1.
Who do you think will be the next captain? You can put your bets on here.
This article was brought to you by Ladbrokes.
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