Ireland captain King 'learning as I go'
Ireland finished third after defeats by England and France paired with three wins [Getty Images] Ireland captain Erin King says that she "feels really honoured" after captaining the side throughout their recent Six Nations campaign. The 22-year-old was announced as captain earlier in the year after missing the most recent World Cup through a serious knee injury. Since her return, she has had a huge impact in the side's upward trajectory under head coach Scott Bemand.
King started all five matches of their successful campaign during which they defeated Italy, Wales and Scotland to finish in third position and unbeaten at home. "I'm learning as I go but I'm really lucky to be surrounded by a really good leadership group," she said. "I learned from week one to delegate and share the workload and I have so much support around me all the time.
"I've really enjoyed it. I just feel really honoured to get to do this role. It feels really special that I get to lead these girls out.
" 'No place I would rather be' It was a Six Nations to remember for Bemand's side and their fans with a record 31,294 crowd at the final match for the first stand-alone women's rugby match at the Aviva when they thrashed Scotland 54-5. Ireland registered 14 points overall, three better than last year, as they continue to attempt to close the gap between them and Six Nations champions England and runners-up France, who both comfortably won against the side this campaign. "I do genuinely enjoy their company and enjoy spending time with the team," she continued.
"Like I said before, I never lose sight of the reason why I play and that is because I love it. "I normally do have a smile on my face because there's no place I'd rather be. " King also believes that they will "only get better and keep growing" as their attention's turn to the inaugural WXV Global Series in the summer.