James Ryan gives Caelan Doris his 'full support' after captaincy change

Leinster's James Ryan has given his backing to Caelan Doris after the number 8 replaced Ryan and Garry Ringrose as the province’s new captain.

Ryan and Ringrose were named co-captains of Leinster following Johnny Sexton’s retirement in November 2023, but Doris took on the role regularly during the second half of the campaign while the pair were injured, and has been promoted to the role on a full-time basis by head coach Leo Cullen ahead of the new season.

"Myself and Garry [Ringrose] met Leo [Cullen] and it was the decision he made and we're fully behind it," the second row said at a Leinster Rugby media event in Kildare Village today.

"We're delighted for Caelan. It was a huge honour for me to co-captain Leinster over the last two seasons and we'll just support Caelan now as much as possible."

Ryan and Ringrose will continue to serve as vice-captains at the province, a role the lock regularly had during Johnny Sexton’s time as skipper, while he has also covered as Ireland captain on multiple occasions, most recently in August 2023 in a World Cup warm-up against England.

And while he admits the role brought extra duties with it, he says it never felt like a burden.

"There's definitely an added responsibility but I loved it, I always enjoyed my time whenever I've had the chance to captain," he added.

"The main thing is I learned was just to focus on your own game and get that right, and all the other stuff came naturally because I don't think leadership is about a title, it's about trying to lead in your own way. So I definitely learned from every game, I wouldn't say I did everything right but you learn as you go.

"My main focus is contributing to the team as absolutely best as possible and whether that's as captain or not is