Johnny Sexton has backed the decision to appoint Rory Best as the new Ireland captain.

The Ulster hooker was yesterday confirmed as the successor to Paul O'Connell as Ireland skipper by head coach Joe Schmidt.

Sexton was thought to be one of the other contenders for the job, alongside the likes of Leinster colleague Jamie Heaslip.

But the out-half says that Best was the outstanding candidate for the role.

"I think the players are very happy with the decision and I think Rory will be a great captain. He has been before," he said.

"The Ulster lads sing his praises up North about how he leads and you can see it in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch and he'll be the ideal candidate to take over and it was a pretty easy decision I'm sure."