Leinster have confirmed the appointment of Ireland international Caelan Doris as the new club captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Doris, a product of Leinster Academy, made his senior debut with the club in 2018 and overall has played 83 times for the province.
He now takes over the reins from Garry Ringrose and James Ryan, who co-captained the side following the retirement of Johnny Sexton at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 26-year-old made his Ireland debut in 2020 and has featured in 43 Tests. He captained the Ireland team for the first time during the 2024 Six Nations game against Italy.
“It’s a massive privilege for me to be leading this group," said Doris to the club's official website.
“I’m fortunate to have so many quality players and staff around me whose advice and input will be crucial. It was special to get the opportunity to captain Leinster several times last season and I’m excited to do the same again this year.
“There’s no shortage of ambition within this group and we’re all looking forward to the new season and representing the supporters, our communities, and the 12 counties of Leinster in the Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and beyond.”
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had high praises for Doris and is confident of his leadership qualities.
We’re delighted to announce Caelan Doris as Leinster captain for the forthcoming season.
“Caelan has come off an exceptional 12 months, beginning at last year’s Rugby World Cup and culminating with him captaining Ireland to victory over world champions South Africa in Durban this summer.
“Over the course of last season, our supporters will have seen not only how Caelan performed himself, but how he grew into the captaincy role when given that opportunity both with Leinster and Ireland. He is an outstanding leader and a natural choice to lead Leinster into what we hope will be an exciting season.
“Caelan will be well supported by James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, who both did an excellent job for us as co-captains last season. There is also a wealth of top-level experience in the wider group that will help and support Caelan in the months ahead.