Craig Casey 'delighted' to captain Irish rugby side in Summer Test match with Georgia

THE leadership qualities of Craig Casey have been praised as the Limerick man prepares to captain the Ireland men’s team for the first time in Saturday’s international friendly with Georgia.
Munster scrum-half Casey is to lead a 32-strong Ireland squad that has been training at the IRFU High Performance Centre ahead of the weekend game in Tbilisi, under interim head coach Paul O’Connell.
Munster's Tom Ahern is hoping that some hamstring tightness does not derail his plans to make his senior international debut during the summer tour.
As one of twelve uncapped players in Paul O’Connell’s group, he said: “I am buzzing, to be honest. I’ve been unlucky with a couple of injuries (before), but that’s kind of the nature of the game to be fair.

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“So, kind of just taking these next couple of weeks in my stride. Just looking to improve. Being up here now, get a few work-ons, continuing to try to improve my game. Just keep getting better is the aim up here.”
Asked about Casey’s appointment as captain for the Tests against Georgia and Portugal, Ahern replied: “He’s a fantastic leader on and off the field. There’s not a more dedicated man in the squad, like all the stuff he does off the field goes unseen to most people.
“Such a good leader, and such a good guy in general. The perfect person for this tour because everybody will get behind him, and he’s great energy around the place,” said Ahern.
Casey cannot wait to lead the team out against Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday week.
“When Paulie gave me the call, it was the Tuesday morning (June 3),” the Limerick man told Irish Rugby TV.
“The squad came out on the Wednesday, so it was kind of nice to know the day before.
“Really, really good phone call. Probably on the phone for about 10 to 15 minutes, the way Paulie is, talking about all the plans for the summer and what we need to improve on, and what has been good over the last few weeks.
“I was honoured. He asked me straight away, so kind of got that part out of the way and it was a nice honour for me. I’m absolutely delighted with it.
“I got off the phone and rang my father (Gerry) and told him to tell no one, obviously! But no, it was brilliant. My father has been huge for me growing up. He’s probably the reason that I’m here.
“He was my coach from U5s to U18s, so to be able to ring him and tell him I’m going to be Irish captain, I can imagine was absolutely massive for him.”
Gerry, a Rugby Development Officer with Munster Rugby, has been there every step of the way, first helping to foster his son’s passion and love for the game when coaching him at Shannon RFC and Ardscoil Rís. ‘Dad put a hell of a lot into me’, in Craig’s own words.
“I think the buzz around the group is class. We came in and had a tough session last Thursday, but it was nice to kind of get back up and running and get the new lads into the group.” said Casey
“You can see how, I would say, passionate they are about playing for Ireland, and trying to put their best foot forward. It’s exciting.”