Neil Francis

Leading men: Ireland’s inspirational captains (left to right) Keith Wood, Brian O’driscoll, Paul O’connell and Rory Best the dramatic impact of somebody in his position turning up to something as sensitive and controversial?

Best was in a truly invidious position. It would have been seen tactically as a boon for the defence, the captain of the Irish rugby team coming along to support the men in the dock.

The kernel here is the issue of friendship and trust. The accusation made was serious yet the defendants were certain of their case. Best, who was a close friend of Paddy Jackson, had been asked to be a character witness for his team-mate.

That Best would have felt conflicted is obvious. But everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and if it were somebody that you knew for a long time and was a close friend, would you be able to look them in the eye or remain friends if you did not turn up to support them in court?

Would the excuse/reason that you were the captain of the Irish rugby team and that it would not be appropriate to turn up to a trial of this nature to give solidarity to the accused wash with your close friend or team-mates? Who would want to be a captain in this instance?

Recently, Best said he “regretted” going to the Laganside Magistrates court that day. The moment the first snapper took his photograph he knew there would be a s*** storm in the press the next day. That must have weighed heavy on his mind. Some would say it was a brave thing to do, others that it was foolish. Either way, that walk up the court steps must have been tough.

It is an onerous responsibility to be the captain. I don’t think Best’s presence was an abdication of his role as a captain. The whole story tells you that while there are many attractive sides to being the captain on and off the pitch, there are downsides to the role as well which you didn’t sign up for but sometimes you have to do. No matter what.