Ireland and Leinster pair Gary Ringrose and James Ryan have been named as the province's co-captains for the upcoming BKT United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup season. This decision comes after former Leinster star and captain Johnny Sexton retired from all forms of rugby earlier this year.
Ringrose has made 116 appearances for Leinster since his debut in 2016. He began his career on the right wing for his side and has since achieved significant success, winning four PRO14 titles and a Champions Cup with Leinster. He made his full Ireland debut during the 2017 summer tour against the USA. His time with Ireland has been equally successful, with two Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams since his debut.
Ryan has also captained both Leinster and Ireland. He led Leinster in the 2023 Champions Cup Final and captained Ireland in the 2023 Six Nations. Ryan's impressive debut season in 2017 included winning the PRO14 and Champions Cup titles with Leinster and achieving Grand Slam victories with Ireland.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨-𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬!
Garry and James have given their reactions to being named #LeinsterRugby Co-Captains for the 2023/24 season.@BankOfIreland @OfficialCastore#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/fYwKk8BPDg— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 9, 2023
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie this morning, Cullen said, “We are delighted to announce James and Garry as Leinster’s Co-Captains for the 23/24 season. They have both been key figures for Leinster Rugby recently and have demonstrated excellent leadership on and off the field. We believe their joint captaincy will inspire the squad and propel us to new heights.”
Both players expressed their gratitude for the honour. Ringrose, 28, said, "It's an honour to get the chance to lead the team I grew up supporting." Ryan added, "I’m delighted, it’s genuinely a huge honour for myself and my family, and it’s humbling to be asked by Leo [Cullen, head coach] to co-captain the team."
Leinster will face Dragons in the BKT United Rugby Championship this weekend. Team details will be released later this week.
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