Connacht have confirmed flanker John Muldoon will captain the side for the forthcoming season.

The 25-year-old from Portumna will lead his team out for the first time against Leeds in a pre-season friendly at the Sportsground on Saturday.

"I consider it a great honour to play for my province so to be asked to captain the side makes it even more special," said Muldoon, who has represented Ireland Youths, U19s, U21s and As.

The former Galway minor hurler is in his seventh year at Connacht and coach Michael Bradley said today he is "delighted John has accepted the captaincy for the 2008/09 season.

"He's a player who has always led from the front based on his workrate in training and on matchday.

"He has developed into a key player in the squad over the past number of seasons and has been excellent for us both in terms of his consistency of performances and his strength of character," added bradley.

Connacht will host Harlequins on Saturday week, London Welsh on Friday August 22nd, and Queensland Reds on the 26th.

"It will be a good build-up and pre-season training has gone well and we are all looking forward to the start of the Magners League next month," said Muldoon today.