Retirements and unavailability are often catalysts for change in leadership.
Peter O’Mahony, 34, is no stranger to Test rugby and he will lead Ireland’s defence of the Grand Slam in Sexton’s absence. The experienced flanker has won 101 caps and previously captained Ireland on 10 occasions since making his debut in 2010.
Jamie George will stand in for Saracens clubmate Farrell as England skipper. The 33-year-old hooker has been capped 85 times but never captained either club or country. He is likely to start every game as the only senior hooker in the squad and is well-respected by his team-mates.
Fly-half Finn Russell is known for his talismanic attacking skills and reliable boot, but he will co-captain Scotland alongside flanker Rory Darge. The pair succeed Jamie Ritchie, who head coach Gregor Townsend said had done an “excellent” job but could now focus on his role on the flank. Russell, 31, has won 75 caps while 23-year-old Darge has played 15 Tests.
Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins is the youngest skipper in this year’s Six Nations, aged just 21. It also makes him his country’s second youngest captain after Gareth Edwards led Wales as a 20-year-old in 1968. Jenkins has played just 12 Tests but has shown exemplary leadership skills as Exeter Chiefs captain.
France, meanwhile, have turned to the experience of number eight Gregory Alldritt after Dupont’s withdrawal. The 26-year-old has tasted success as captain before, leading La Rochelle to consecutive Investec Champions Cup titles. He has won 45 international caps and was preferred to former captain and Dupont’s predecessor Charles Ollivon.
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