Tadhg Furlong to captain Ireland against Fiji
Tadhg Furlong has played 61 Tests for Ireland
©PA
Ireland have confirmed that Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong will be captaining the side in their upcoming autumn international game against Fiji on Saturday.
Furlong will be captaining the side for the first time on what will be his 62nd Test. He has overcome an ankle injury that he sustained during the game against the Springboks to be fit for the encounter.
His elevation to captaincy mean regular skipper Johnny Sexton and vice-captain James Ryan are likely to be rested for the weekend's game. Meanwhile, Conor Murray is also ruled out of the game against Fiji with a groin issue.
“I never even thought of it,” said Furlong.
“You know when you dream as a young fella, you want to play for Ireland, you want to play for Leinster, you want to play for the Lions – I never even dreamed of captaining Ireland.
“It could be my only time! Obviously I didn’t know if I would be playing or not, Faz (Farrell) said it to me on Monday, ‘would you skipper the team, if you’re fit and ready to go?’, so of course.
“It’s class, it’s class, it’s not something I ever thought was on my radar. To get an opportunity is special, you know? I just want to make the most out of the weekend.”
