Jamie Heaslip will retain the Ireland captaincy for the Six Nations, despite the return of Brian O'Driscoll from injury.
Heaslip led Ireland during the autumn internationals in the absence of the injured O'Driscoll and coach Declan Kidney has opted for consistency of selection ahead of the Six Nations.
O'Driscoll was naturally disappointed at the decision, but insists that he understands his coach's thinking behind the move.
"The captaincy has been a big part of my career and life over the last number of years, and while I was naturally very disappointed not to be leading the team in the Six Nations, when I talked it through with Declan I accepted the reasons behind the decision," he said.
Kidney added: "Jamie had done a really good job for the squad and management during November and I felt that now was the correct time to do this.
"Brian has had very little rugby in the last number of months and I think he deserves the space and time to concentrate on getting himself back playing fully fit."
The Ireland coach has named a 39-squad containing six uncapped players for Ireland's clash with England Saxons later this month and their tournament opener against Wales on February 2.
Ian Madigan, Dave McSharry and Robbie Henshaw as well as Ulster trio Paddy Jackson, Lewis Stevenson and Paul Marshall are the new additions to the squad.
However, Tommy Bowe, Stephen Ferris, Luke Marshall, John Muldoon, Paul O'Connell and Dan Tuohy are all injured and miss out.
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