Joe Schmidt set to reveal Ireland skipper as Six Nations on the horizon

Joe Schmidt will unveil his new captain tomorrow as he names the squad he hopes can get Ireland’s bid for a third successive RBS 6 Nations title off to a flying start.

Head coach Schmidt is set to announce a 35 or 36-player group from which he will select matchday squads for the home opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on February 7, and the trip to France six days later.

It is a tough start for the defending champions in their first Test since the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina on October 18.