Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Best perfect for Ireland captaincy, says club skipper

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Rory Best tipped to the next Ireland captain

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Best perfect for Ireland captaincy, says club skipper

2 November 2011, 11:03 am

By Sportsbeat

Ireland hooker Rory Best is perfectly primed to assume the international captaincy, according to club teammate Johann Muller.

The 31-year-old South African lock, who has previously skippered the Springboks, assumed the Ulster captaincy from Best and admits he was impressed with what he saw from the Irish hooker and the recent World Cup.

Brian O’Driscoll has revealed he intends to stay on as Ireland captain with the 2012 RBS Six Nations looming but at 32 he is entering the twilight of his international career, and 29-year-old Muller believes Best has all the attributes needs to fill the void.

"Rory would be a brilliant Ireland captain," said Muller.

"He can compete with anyone on the world stage, which is brilliant not only for Irish rugby but also for Ulster rugby – he is a world-class player."

"Having played under him at Ulster, I know he has got great leadership qualities and knows when to take the tough decisions.

"He has got great character as well, which is probably the first thing I look for in a leadership role, and I have no doubt if he becomes the next Irish captain that he will do a smashing, smashing job.

"I've followed Rory for quite a bit now, both with Ulster and watching him with Ireland, and I've never seen him play this kind of rugby he's playing now. He's in the form of his life and was outstanding at the World Cup.