Bernard Jackman believes Garry Ringrose has the makings of the next Ireland captain when Johnny Sexton retires.The Leinster centre, who turned 28 today, has been in career-best form this season for both province and country, the most recent impressive display coming against Racing 92 in the Heineken Champions Cup on Saturday, where he had a hand in three of their six tries and was named Player of the Match.As well as scoring six tries in 14 games for Leinster and Ireland this season, Ringrose has also earned high praise for his physicality in defence, particularly in Ireland's Autumn Nations Series wins against South Africa and Australia in November."He's very interesting, because he's so consistent, week-in and week-out it's eight or nine out of 10, and has a real edge to him as well," Jackman said on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast."He has the flair and ability to do extraordinary things, but defensively and at the breakdown he's very clinical.
There's a real edge to the physicality he brings."He's become a key man. Also, Leinster are missing Robbie Henshaw, and he's been able to build a relationship with Ngatai or Jamie Osborne and not affect his ability to be a star performer."He'll probably go into the Irish camp against Wales and partner up with Bundee [Aki] you would imagine, and you wouldn't expect there to be any issue.""It's the best version of ourselves preparing for the best version of the opposition." - Garry Ringrose starred as Leinster outlasted Racing.#HeinekenChampionsCup