RUGBY: Rory Best among the front runners for Ireland captaincy

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will name his RBS Six Nations squad at lunchtime but the big talking point will be who will be be named as the new Ireland captain.

Talismanic captain Paul O’Connell’s post-World Cup Test retirement leaves an obvious chasm in their leadership ranks.

Schmidt must select a new captain for a new cycle, with experienced hands Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Rory Best all touted for the job.

Luke Marshall already threw his weight behind Best’s candidacy, hailing the Ulster skipper’s inspirational half-time team talk in the remarkable 24-23 Champions Cup comeback win in Oyonnax.

Best’s home truths kick-started Ulster to turn their 23-0 deficit on its head in the thrilling January 10 victory, leaving Marshall extolling his provincial captain’s virtues for the vacant Test role.

“He’s an incredible player and someone who leads from the front,” said Marshall. “That’s one of the first things you look for in a captain.”

And fellow international centre Darren Cave added his endorsement as well.

“I think Rory is one of the main reasons that this club has turned itself around since I started playing, we have signed well and certain people upstairs have done a good job and got good signings in.

“Rory has been the one that the team has been built around.

“Even when he wasn’t captain he was the main man and he has always been the main leader.

“I think it would be a great honour for him and I hope he gets it.”