In an attempt to fill the void left by the retirement of Johnny Sexton, Leinster opted to go down the rather unorthodox route of appointing two captains for this season. Garry Ringrose and James Ryan will share the role moving forward, something you don't often see at the highest level of rugby.
Of course, the decision has caused problems on a couple of occasions so far this season.
Ryan got a telling off from the referee for speaking to him in the win over Munster, due to the fact that Ringrose was nominated as the on-field captain (of which you can only have one at a time). In last week's win over La Rochelle, referee Matt Carley refused to speak to Ryan after he complained about a number of decisions and insisted on engaging with Ringrose moving forward.
As a result, some are now questioning if Leinster made the right call in appointing co-captains.
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Jamie Heaslip questions Leinster captaincy decision
Leo Cullen may have defended James Ryan for that La Rochelle incident, but some feel the whole situation is causing unnecessary confusion on the pitch.
Speaking on RTÉ, Jamie Heaslip admitted that he is not a big fan of the co-captaincy situation. He also said that Leinster need to appoint one on-field captain to lead the group moving forward.
Personally, on the day I think you have to have one captain. I don't buy into this co-captain thing on the day.
In a club, it makes a lot of sense. Each club would also have a senior leadership group of seven to ten players as well, most of them are going to be on the field. You have a lot of leaders on the field.
But I think you need one voice and one leader on the day.
James [Ryan] is very early in his professional career in terms of captaincy with Leinster. It's his first season of it and he has to grow into it and learn about it as well.
I think Leo [Cullen] probably has to decide who he wants to be the captain on the big day. Personally I would probably favour Garry [Ringrose], but that's just an outside opinion and means nothing.
I'm not bought into this co-captain philosophy personally. It leads to a bit of messiness on the field like you saw there with the referee. It doesn't make it clear for the players on the day either.
This arrangement is still in its infancy, meaning both Ryan and Ringrose are likely to grow into it moving forward.
However, there is certainly an argument to be made that Leinster have caused unnecessary problems for themselves by going down this route.
SEE ALSO: Leo Cullen Defends James Ryan For Referee Incident During La Rochelle Win
