Kevin McLaughlin has this afternoon been confirmed by Leinster Rugby as the captain during the Rugby World Cup period.
The 30-year-old St. Mary’s club man, who has 114 caps for Leinster since his debut in April 2007, has captained the province in the past and lead the team out against Edinburgh and Benetton Treviso in last season’s Guinness PRO12.
Congratulations @KMcLaughlin6! The @StMarysRFC man will captain Leinster during the @rugbyworldcup. #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/a7JsoI2HTb
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 20, 2015
Confirming the news this afternoon,, “I think this is a great opportunity for Kevin,” Head Coach Leo Cullen said. “He had an unlucky run with injuries last season and I know he is very keen to hit the ground running this season.
“This is by no means a new role for him and we saw last season what he brings to the table in terms of his captaincy.
“He has really driven the environment during the pre-season and he is a great role model for the younger players and indeed the wider squad.”
McLaughlin last played for Leinster in last December’s 21-11 win in the RDS against Connacht, but had to come off with a shoulder injury. That same injury required surgery and effectively ruled Kevin out for the season.
“Kevin is a player who leads by example with little regard for his own body and he epitomises everything we want to see from a Leinster Rugby team going forward,” Cullen added.
“He is selfless, puts team first and is always driving his own standards as well as the standards of those around him.”