Just three days after announcing his first training squad for the Six Nations, Scott Bemand has appointed a new captain.
Erin King takes over the role from co-captains Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan.
All three have suffered long-term injuries, which have handicapped the co-captains from exerting their authority as they might have wished. Both are still absent.
King, much the youngest of the trio at 22, has suffered from a serious knee-injury – yet another case! But she has recovered in time to rejoin Wolfhounds at the start of this month for the Celtic Challenge.
Despite gaining her first XV cap only in 2024 her pedigree in undoubted. In the 2024 WXV1 in Vancouver she scored two tries as Ireland defeated the Black Ferns for a second time.
Even more decisive, she was declared the World Breakthrough Player of the Year. Ireland knew they had a star in the making.
Background
Given the position she now holds, Erin’s early life could hardly be more surprising. She was born in Sydney to English parents. But before Red Rose fans can wail “that’s another player we’ve let slip through the net”, the family soon shifted to Ireland, where she first picked up the game.
Bemand has obviously been impressed by her leadership qualities, and she has responded to his call with modesty and determination. Surely her given name was carefully chosen.
Lying ahead
Her first captaincy challenge couldn’t be more testing: away to England at Twickenham in front of over 50,000 spectators. First problem, how do I make myself heard?
One response would be: lead by example.
The venue alone reveals England’s respect for Irish prospects. The Red Roses have only one other home game, against Cymru at Bristol. Perhaps they were intent on encouraging more Welsh fans to cross the Severn to boost the attendance.
I prefer my first reasoning for the choice of grounds.
Novelties
King’s appointment adds one more new look to the coming 6 Nations.
We already have two new head coaches in Sione Fukofuka (Scotland) and Fabio Roselli (Italy). Four training squads remain to be announced, France, Italy, Scotland and Wales, and more captaincy changes are possible. What price France?
Irish Prospects
Meantime I repeat my hope that the Irish squad can steer clear of injuries; they are still a shade too dependent on a number of outstanding players. When all are present, they are a match for nearly everyone; it’s up to the rest of the squad to prove their worth. Their last encounter at Twickenham (a real drubbing) must be put firmly behind them.
Encouraging them will be just one of the challenges facing the new young captain. We wish her all success.
