Going into Six Nations

pute when Isa (Nacewa) left, who the next man for the job was, and he’s taken that over brilliantly.

“He’s a quality player in himself but the competitive nature he has just brings the best out of people around him. Second best isn’t acceptable, which is the mindset you need to have, and he’s someone who drives that.

“So he’s been brilliant for the group with Leinster and yeah, if he took over the role for Ireland, it would be more of the same of what I’ve just said.”

IRELAND SIX NATIONS SQUAD Hooker: Rob Herring (Ulster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster) Prop: Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jack McGrath (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster)

Lock: Ultan Dillane (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), James Ryan (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster)

Back row: Max Deegan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Jack O’Donoghue (Munster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), CJ Stander (Munster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

Scrum-half: John Cooney (Ulster), Murray (Munster), Luke McGrath (Leinster)

Fly-half: Billy Burns (Ulster), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Johnny Sexton (Leinster)

Centre: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Chris Farrell (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster)

Wing: Andrew Conway (Munster), Keith Earls (Munster), Dave Kearney (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

Full-back: Will Addison (Ulster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster)