Jamie Heaslip has insisted that he has "loved" captaining Ireland during this year's Six Nations.
Coach Declan Kidney's decision to appoint the 29-year-old as skipper ahead of Brian O'Driscoll has been seen as controversial following two defeats from the team's opening three games.
"The captaincy has been great. I've loved it," Heaslip is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "When I came off the pitch against Scotland I was quite happy with the way I played."
Ireland continue their Six Nations campaign on Saturday when they welcome France to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
