'A moment I'll never forget': Erin King named new Ireland captain at age of 22

New Ireland captain Erin King. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Erin King has revealed her surprise at being named the new Ireland captain at the tender age of 22.

The former sevens star was revealed as the new skipper on Thursday afternoon and will now lead the way for the national team as it zeroes in on the next World Cup, in 2029, having missed last year’s global event in England with injury.

“Oh, I was very taken aback. I definitely didn't expect it. Like I said, I unfortunately missed out on the World Cup and things like that with my injury, so I was just getting back into it, but it's really nice to know that he sees my character through that. 

"Obviously it's the start of a new cycle and I have time to build into this role.

“And I have a great team around me, a great leadership team around me, two really great vice-captains, and I've had great role models in Sam (Monaghan) and Edel (McMahon) who've led the path for me. 

"They're still there to help me and show me the ropes which is so lucky for me.” 

King had played just 60 minutes of Celtic Challenge rugby for the Wolfhounds since her return to fitness when she was approached by Bemand for what he said would be a quick word at the Ireland team’s training camp in Abbotstown last Thursday.

“In my head I was like, ‘oh I wonder what kind of clip he wants to show me’, or initially I was a little bit like, ‘wait, am I in trouble, or what have I done this time?’ But it was a moment I'll never forget. He pulled me in and just said, I want you to captain your country.

“I have goosebumps telling you and I obviously had goosebumps hearing that. It's stuff that dreams are made of. I don't think it's anything I imagined I'd be asked, especially at my age and coming back from an injury.

But the last year has been really tough for me and I've learned so much about myself, about the team, about having a new perspective on life and I think it's perfect timing to come into this role.” 

That was a full week before the public reveal but King was at least able to tell her parents who thought she was joking at first. 

Another big moment came last Monday when the rest of the squad was appraised of the news.

“I was red in the face, teary-eyed, and everyone was so happy for me, which is amazing. I probably had a bit of anxiety with everyone finding out and things like that but there's been nothing but support, big hugs and big cheers from the girls.

“I've definitely felt a lot of support and have a lot of confidence. It's an amazing team and I can't wait to get cracking. I really do think we're capable of doing something really special as a team. If we all buy into that, the world's our oyster.”