Isa Nacewa expressed his delight at being named Leinster captain for the coming season and says he feels fit enough to lead the side into the new season.
Leinster made the announcement today that the Kiwi would lead the squad next year and the 34-year-old is relishing the chance to lead a team for which he has earned a 150 caps.
"I'm delighted to be appointed captain again," he said in a statement today. "This club means a lot to me and my family and I'm looking forward to the season now and to leading the lads again.
"The body feels great. It was definitely worst case scenario in terms of how the season ended but the beauty of the timing of the injury is that I was here for the whole of the off-season and the planning of the pre-season.
"That included the review of the season, what went well, what needs to be better. So the body is in great shape. It's been a good exciting pre-season and it's been great having Charlie Higgins here. A new voice adding to the club."
The full-back is in his seventh season with the club and head coach Leo Cullen spoke highly of his talents and his presence in the squad.
"Isa made a superb contribution to the club on his return last season. He stepped up brilliantly in Kev's [McLaughlin] absence and then just grew into the role as the season went on," he said.
"He is a perfect role model for the younger players but is also held in the highest regard by the senior members in our squad. He has a special connection with this club and with the supporters and we all look forward to seeing him back in action."
Leinster face Gloucester Rugby this Saturday in Tallaght Stadium in the second of the Bank of Ireland pre-season friendlies.
They get their Pro12 campaign off and running on Friday 2 September against Treviso at the RDS.
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