Potential Ireland and Lions skipper Caelan Doris, 26, is the new Leinster captain as Head Coach Leo Cullen has switched from the co-captaincy that was introduced last season.
By this time next year, he may have experienced the unique situation of having led his province, country and the British and Irish Lions all in the one 2025 season
Doris takes over the Leinster job which was shared last season by second-row powerhouse James Ryan and center Garry Ringrose who were confirmed as vice-captains for the coming season.
The marauding back-row star Doris is also one of the main contenders to replace Peter O’Mahony as Ireland skipper whenever the time comes.
Doris first captained Leinster against Ulster on New Year's Day, and just over a month later he captained Ireland for the first time against Italy in the Six Nations before he brilliantly steered Andy Farrell's side to victory in the second Test in South Africa during the summer.
The Ballina-born No. 8 is relishing the responsibility of leading Leinster going forward. "It’s a massive privilege for me to be leading this group,” Doris said on RTE.
"I’m fortunate to have so many quality players and staff around me whose advice and input will be crucial. It was special to get the opportunity to captain Leinster several times last season and I’m excited to do the same again this year.
"There’s no shortage of ambition within this group and we’re all looking forward to the new season and representing the supporters, our communities, and the 12 counties of Leinster in the Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and beyond."
Cullen believes Doris, who captained the Ireland U-20s in his earlier days, is a natural fit for the role.
"Caelan has come off an exceptional 12 months, beginning at last year’s Rugby World Cup and culminating with him captaining Ireland to victory over world champions South Africa in Durban this summer.
"Over the course of last season, our supporters will have seen not only how Caelan performed himself, but how he grew into the captaincy role when given that opportunity both with Leinster and Ireland. He is an outstanding leader and a natural choice to lead Leinster into what we hope will be an exciting season.
"Caelan will be well supported by James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, who both did an excellent job for us as co-captains last season. There is also a wealth of top-level experience in the wider group that will help and support Caelan in the months ahead.
"The squad has worked hard together in pre-season and we are all looking forward to our BKT United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh away, before home games at the Aviva Stadium and then Croke Park. We can’t wait to be back playing in front of our supporters."
