Johnny Sexton is set to lead Ireland in their Six Nations opener against Scotland despite having not played for almost two months.
Sexton, who succeeds Rory Best as skipper, has been sidelined with a knee injury suffered in Leinster's win against Northampton on 7 December.
The out-half is nearing a return to full training but is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s Champions Cup game against Benetton, which is Leinster’s final fixture before the start of the Six Nations on 1 February.
"In terms of my body I am feeling really good," said Sexton. "I’ve obviously had a few weeks out with the knee but I am close to getting back to full training this week.
"Hopefully I’ll be fully ready to go next week and into the Six Nations."
Sexton described being named Ireland captain as the biggest honour of his career. He previously led his country against Russia during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
"I obviously got a taste for it during the World Cup for that one game and I’ve done it in patches with Ireland in-game when either Rory or Pete [O’Mahony] have gone off in previous games," said Sexton.
"It’s something that I enjoy but ultimately it’s a huge honour, the biggest honour of my career to be asked to do it.
"I’m really looking forward to it and to the challenges that are coming up."
Sexton has started every game for Ireland in the past two Six Nations, from the high of the 2018 Grand Slam success to their disappointing defence of 2019 when they suffered heavy losses to England and Wales.
They begin this year's tournament with back-to-back home games against Scotland and Wales.
"People talk about European rugby being close to International rugby but when you get onto those first international games the intensity, the expectation, everything just goes up a gear," said Sexton.
"It brings challenges but I’m looking forward to it now. "
