The hooker takes over from Paul O'Connell, who's retired from the international game….the Ulster player will lead the Irish team for the 6 Nations campaign.
Head coach Joe Schmidt has named his 35 man squad for the competition with the inclusion of Cahir's Tommy O'Donnell and Nenagh's Donnacha Ryan among the forwards.
Ireland will entertain Wales in the opening round before facing an away game against France.
