Sexton to captain Ireland as Farrell names five uncapped players in Six Nations squad

The coaching group have also named four development players who will train with the squad.

Johnny Sexton will captain Ireland in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations starting next month after new head coach Andy Farrell appointed the veteran Leinster fly-half to lead the 35-man squad he named on Wednesday afternoon.

Sexton, 34, succeeds Rory Best who retired from all rugby following Ireland’s disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit to New Zealand in Japan three months ago and will be tasked with leading the national team into a new era following the departure of long-term head coach Joe Schmidt. Sexton and Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony were Best’s vice-captains and considered front-runners for the leadership role alongside lock James Ryan.