Ireland name Johnny Sexton as their new captain ahead of Six Nations campaign

Ireland first-five Johnny Sexton has been chosen as the team's new captain as coach Andy Farrell named his first squad since taking over from Joe Schmidt after last year's disappointing Rugby World Cup.

Sexton, a former world rugby player of the year who is his country's second highest ever points scorer, fills the vacancy left by Rory Best, who retired after a Rugby World Cup in which his side were humbled by hosts Japan and dumped out by New Zealand.

Ireland kick off their Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland on February 2nd.

[Source: Radio NZ]