O’Driscoll takes captaincy as Quins pair and Mullins get call

ALTHOUGH currently on the injured list and a doubtful starter for the game against France in Paris on February 14, Brian O’Driscoll has been named as captain of the Irish team for the duration of the RBS Six Nations Championship.

While O'Driscoll is no stranger to the captaincy he has carried out the role on nine occasions with an impressive eight successes to his name there is a view abroad that his overall impact as a player can be impaired by the added responsibility.

However, coach Eddie O'Sullivan doesn't see things in that light, although he has taken the unusual step of picking as many as five vice-captains, Reggie Corrigan, Anthony Foley, David Humphreys, Paul O'Connell and Ronan O'Gara.