Leo Cullen insists Leinster leaders will not be affected by Rory Best captaincy call

All in this together.

Rory Best held off some worthy competition, on Wednesday, when he was announced as Ireland captain for the Six Nations. Many expected Jamie Heaslip, who led Ireland out in the World Cup quarter final, to be named as permanent captain while there was a late surge of support for Sean O'Brien. However, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has allayed any fears fans may have that Heaslip or O'Brien would be stewing after being overlooked by Joe Schmidt for the captaincy. "Jamie and Sean are really good team players," Cullen told 98fm. "First and foremost on their minds will be making sure the team performs. That’s the type of guys they are." Cullen quickly moved on from a query about Garry Ringrose missing the cut for the Six Nations squad but he was delighted about the call-up for 22-year-old flanker Josh van der Flier. "He applies himself really, really well and works incredibly hard at his game," said Cullen. "He has made steady progress all season and we’re delighted for him being in the Six Nations squad for the first time. "He fully deserves that recognition for the work he does and the performances he’s put in for us over the last number of months."