Munster announced today that Doug Howlett will captain the Irish side for the coming season.
The 33-year-old takes over from Paul O’Connell to become just the second overseas player and the first back to be nominated as team captain in the professional era.
The former All Black has played 94 competitive matches for Munster since January 2008.
Doug Howlett said: “It’s such a great honour. It truly is one of the highlights of my career. I know I’ve got big boots to fill following Paul, Axel, Mick Galwey and Jim Williams. And I’m also aware of the number of leaders in this squad, people well capable of doing this job and that makes my appointment all the more worthy and humbling.”