Veteran Best named as Ulster captain

Rory Best will take over the Ulster captaincy from Johann Muller, it was announced today.

The 31-year-old has played for Ulster 152 times and previously captained the province from 2007 until 2011.

An inspirational leader both on and off the pitch - Congratulations to @RoryBest2 the new captain of Ulster http://t.co/oFr6axZrU1

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) August 1, 2014

Best spoke to ulsterrugby.com about his decision to step down in 2011.

“It is a huge honour to captain your Province,” he said. “ I enjoyed doing it a few years ago but in 2011, I felt I just needed to step down and to concentrate on my game.”

“We also had a ready-made captain in the squad in Johann which made it easier and he did a fantastic job.”

The veteran hooker has since captained Ireland four times, and led the British and Irish Lions out against the Brumbies during the 2013 tour of Australia.

“With the extra experience that I have gained at provincial and international level in recent years I believe that I am more equipped than ever before to lead this group of players,” said Best.

“Being the captain of Ulster is something that I absolutely love doing and I am looking forward to the challenge of the new season.”