RUGBY:JOHN MULDOON has been appointed Connacht's new captain. The 25-year-old flanker will lead his province in the first of their four pre-season friendlies at the Sportsground (6.30pm) against Leeds this Saturday.

The Portumna product, who has represented Ireland at youths, under-19, under-21 and A levels, takes over from the secondrow Andrew Farley, who had resumed the captaincy for the third campaign in four last season.

"I consider it a great honour to play for my province so to be asked to captain the side makes it even more special," said Muldoon, a former Galway minor hurler who is in his seventh year with Connacht.

Coach Michael Bradley described Muldoon as a great example to younger players coming through: "He's a player who has always led from the front based on his workrate in training and on match day."