Sexton named new captain as Ireland announce Six Nations squad

Johnny Sexton edges out Peter O'Mahony to captain Farrell's first squad

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Johnny Sexton of Ireland celebrates winning the Third International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Ireland at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Johnny Sexton was named 2018 World Player of the Year, but the 34-year-old has struggled for fitness recently (Photo:Getty)

January 15, 2020 5:08 pm(Updated 5:10 pm)

Injury-hit fly-half Johnny Sexton was named Ireland captain for the 2020 Six Nations campaign as new coach Andy Farrell revealed his first squad.

The 34-year-old replaces retired hooker Rory Best and edges out Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony, who captained the British and Irish Lions’ first test against New Zealand in 2017.

Sexton has been injured since early December and is a doubt for Ireland’s opening game against Scotland on 2 February.

With second-choice fly-half Joey Carbery ruled out of the tournament all together, English-born Billy Burns receives his first call-up.

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Fellow Ulster player John Cooney, who has been in scintillating form this season, will battle Conor Murray for the No 9 jersey.

There are five uncapped players in the squad: Burns, Ronan Kelleher, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris and Tom O’Toole.

Leinster hooker Kelleher,21, will be among those vying for Best’s vacant No 2 shirt, having received his first call-up after scoring seven tries in 10 appearances this season.

Rob Kearney is the most notable omission from the squad, although his younger brother Dave, who has impressed for Leinster recently, is included.