Ireland have no shortage of leaders who can step up to the captaincy role, according to former manager Donal Lenihan.
For the first time since 1999, Ireland start their year off without mainstays Brian O’Driscoll or Paul O’Connell in the ranks.
O’Driscoll stepped away in 2014, while O’Connell finished his Ireland career at the World Cup in November.
Ahead of the Six Nations squad announcement this afternoon, RTÉ Rugby analyst Lenihan says he would like to see Joe Schmidt go outside the obvious choices when picking the team leader.
"It’s incredible when you think about those two players who are no longer there," he told RTÉ Sport.
"The captaincy issue has been debated long and hard.
"I think the key element here is there are plenty of candidates, a lot of good leadership within the group.
"I think Jamie Heaslip and Rory Best are probably the favourites, with Best likely shading it.
"I think Sean O’Brien is closest in stature and presence in the dressing room to Paul O’Connell"
"For me, I’d go slightly left of field. I think Sean O’Brien is closest in stature and presence in the dressing room to Paul O’Connell.
"While O’Connell will be impossible to replace, I think O’Brien has huge merits to bring to the role.
"If it turns out to be Rory Best, I’d have no issues with that either."
Lenihan expects call-ups for Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey, with team-mate Luke Marshall and Leinster’s Garry Ringrose in the mix as Robbie Henshaw recovers from a hand injury.
Ireland play Wales in Dublin in their opening game on 7 February, with Warren Gatland insisting that, despite retirements and injuries, the back-to-back champions are still the team to beat.
