Former Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has revealed who he thinks will be Ireland’s new captain.
Ireland manager Andy Farrell is expected to announce his decision before the start of the Six Nations.
Ireland begin the tournament against France on Friday 2nd February.
Leinster icon Sexton retired after Ireland lost to New Zealand in the 2023 RWC.
And now the former Ireland international forward believes James Ryan is the man for the job.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Game On, he said he expected Leinster second-row James Ryan to be given the honor.
“I think I’ll go with James Ryan,” Ferris, 38, said.
“There are some [candidates]. I know people are talking about Caelan Doris.
“He obviously went to Blackrock and captained Blackrock and could be another candidate.
“I think the first name on the team sheet should be captain.”
Bernard Jackman recently backed Farrell’s ‘dark horse’ nomination to be Ireland’s next captain.
In an interview with RTE’s Saturday Sport, the former Leinster and Connacht ace said:
“I think it’s more likely to be Keiran Doris.
“He’s set to be the starter, so I think it could be him. [his] Age profile. Probably a bolter from Farrell.
“Another option is Peter.” [O’Mahony] When they come back and play, they try to make short-term fixes.
“I don’t know, there aren’t a lot of guys who would say, ‘He should be captain.’ I think Doris could end up being a bit of a dark horse.”