Aviva Premiership Rugby Union side the London Irish has named Declan Danaher as the captain of the club for the upcoming Rugby Union season. The back row forward will be leading The Exiles out onto the pitch as they look to bounce back from a disappointing finish at 7th position in the last season of the Aviva Premiership and seek the lost glory days. Danaher, who is currently going into his 13th season with the club, becoming the longest serving player in the history of The Not Nots, has played 242 games for the side from Reading in England and has scored 21 tries during this spell.
And speaking of his appointment as captain of the London Irish was extremely excited, stating that it would be his honor to lead the team out onto the field amidst the cheers from the packed home crowd in the Madejski Stadium. He also added that being able to follow in the footsteps of such legendary figures for the club; including Mike Catt, Bob Casey and Clarke Dermody is not only an honor, but a privilege as well.
The 32 year old also commented that he is humbled at being able to lead a side with such history and tradition and to be their captain for the 2012/13 season will be something that he will remember for the rest of his life. Speaking about how he was approached for the job, Danaher stated that the Director of Rugby for the London Irish asked him to captain the side a week back and he made no hesitation in accepting the offer.
He said that he is looking to take the club to the next step, after going through one of the most difficult seasons during his time with the club in the Aviva Premiership last year.