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Rory Best will captain Ireland for the RBS 6 Nations with uncapped quartet CJ Stander, Stuart McCloskey, Ultan Dillane and Josh van der Flier the 35-man squad's newcomers.

Ulster skipper Best takes Ireland's captaincy from Paul O'Connell, who retired from Test rugby after the World Cup.

Munster's European Champions Cup captain Stander is eyeing a back-row berth after completing residency qualification, while powerhouse Ulster centre McCloskey boosts boss Joe Schmidt's midfield steel.