Ulster flanker Reuben Crothers has spoken of his pride after being picked to captain Ireland Under 20s in this season's Six Nations.
The former Wallace High School student got the call from head coach Richie Murphy to be told of his selection.
Crothers started all five of last year's Six Nations games in Cardiff on the bench but now steps up to lead an inexperienced Irish squad for he upcoming series.
Just four players are returning for a second campaign at Under 20 level.
Speaking of being told of his captaincy, Ballynahinch clubman Crothers said: "I think I found out just before I came into this camp, so probably the start of the week there.
"Richie gave me a call just a few days before camp started . I was pretty calm on the phone to Richie but inside I was over the moon."
Crothers added: "It is obviously a privilege to be captain of your country.
"You know, it is an honour but the thing is I've got so many leaders around the team that it makes my job a lot easier.
"So if I am looking a bit of advice in any way I can just turn to them."
Like many young players amid the Covid pandemic, Crothers missed out on previous underage action at Under 18 and 19 level.
And the young forward is eager to make up for lost time as Ireland prepare for their opening game against Wales at Musgrave Park this Friday.
“This is the first captaincy role I’ve had for a few years because of Covid and that,” Crothers added.
“I found out just before we came into this camp. At the start of the week, a few days before camp started, Richie gave me a call. I was pretty calm on the phone to Richie but inside I was over the moon.
“It’s obviously a privilege to be captaining your country. It’s an honour, but the thing is, I’ve got so many leaders around me in the team that it makes my job a lot easier. So if I’m looking for a bit of advice in anyway, I can just turn to them.
“I think I would step in when the words need to be said, but at the same time, our group is player-led.
"The standards are driven within the squad. I’ve got so many leaders around me that can talk when they want to. I suppose I like to lead by example and by my actions rather than my words.”
