O'Driscoll retains Ireland captaincy
Brian O'Driscoll retains Ireland captaincy for 2009 Six Nations
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Tuesday, 27, Jan 2009 12:54
Talismanic centre Brian O'Driscoll has retained the Ireland captaincy for the team's upcoming Six Nations championship campaign.
In a statement outlining the plans for the immediate future of the national rugby union setup, O'Driscoll was confirmed as head coach Declan Kidney's choice to continue to lead the side.
It was speculated in some quarters that Kidney would opt for a younger skipper to take over from the 30-year-old, beginning this year.
However, the coach has chosen to retain the midfield maestro for the next few months at the very least.
"I am delighted that Brian has yet again agreed to lead the side in this year's championship," Kidney said.
"He has the leadership qualities which are vital at this level and, along with those of the other team leaders in the squad, will be important for the tournament ahead."
Ireland's schedule for the 2009 calendar year has also been unveiled, with summer Tests against Canada and the USA in May and four autumn internationals including one against an as-yet undetermined opponent that could be played abroad.
"This plan for the year allows us to spread the net across a greater number of players and to get to know them in the best way possible, on the training field and in international level games," Kidney continued.
"With a total of 14 games that the national management will be involved in this year, it serves two purposes.
"One, it will give us the chance to work with players, in a pressure situation, who may be just below the more established members of the squad at this point in time; and two, it gives the players the exposure which is important for their development at the highest level."
Full Ireland schedule for 2009:
Six Nations Championship (5 games): February-March
Summer Tour (2 games): Canada v Ireland, May 23; USA v Ireland, May 30
Barclays Churchill Cup (3 games): June
Autumn International Series (4 games): Ireland v tbc, November 7th or 8th; Ireland v Australia, November 14th or 15th; Ireland v Fiji, November 21st or 22nd; Ireland v South Africa, November 28th or 29th.