After standing on the shoulders of giants, new leader Sheehan aims to step up again in Wales 

'It's a massive honour' says the Ireland hooker as he prepares to lead his country for the first time in Cardiff, paying tribute to those who went before and revealing the story behind that viral childhood photo with Jonah Lomu 

LEADING THEM OUT: Dan Sheehan prepares for the  Ireland Rugby Captain's Run, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Dan Sheehan has been standing on the shoulders of giants since he was a small child atop those belonging to Jonah Lomu. Yet it is the metaphorical scapulae that Ireland’s newest skipper will look to base his captaincy on when he leads the men in green into Guinness Six Nations battle against Wales.

Sheehan, 26, will return to the starting hooker position at Principality Stadium on Saturday as Ireland look to advance their claim for a third title in a row and bag a Triple Crown in the process, following opening victories over both England and Scotland earlier this month.