Ringrose and Ryan named as Leinster co-captains

Garry Ringrose and James Ryan have been named as new Leinster co-captains.

The Ireland internationals take over from Johnny Sexton, who retired at the end of the World Cup.

Centre Ringrose has 116 Leinster appearances to his name since making his debut in 2016 and has 57 Ireland caps.

Lock Ryan made his club debut the following season and has racked up 73 appearances in blue and has 59 international caps.

"It's an honour to get the chance to lead the team I grew up supporting," said 28-year-old Ringrose.

Ryan said: "I’m delighted, it’s genuinely a huge honour for myself and my family and humbling to be asked by Leo [Cullen, head coach] to co-captain the team."

Cullen said: "They have both been key figures for Leinster Rugby in recent times and have both led the team incredibly well at different points.

"They have shown a deep understanding of what it means to represent Leinster on and off the field and we believe their joint captaincy will inspire the squad and help drive us to new heights."

Ringrose made his Leinster debut in September 2015 against Cardiff Blues on the right wing in a 23-15 win before making his Irish debut just over a year later against Canada.

He has won four Pro14 titles and a Champions Cup with Leinster and two Six Nations titles with Ireland.

The Dubliner has captained Leinster before and led the side in the 2020 Pro14 final against Ulster which Leinster won 27-5.Ryan has also captained Leinster before this announcement and most recently led the team out at the Champions Cup final in Dublin in 2023.

The 27-year-old has also captained Ireland as recently as the 2023 Six Nations.

He made his Leinster debut in September 2017 against the Dragons (above), having already made his full Ireland debut on the 2017