Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Dai Young has named Paul Tito as captain for the coming season.
The 30-year-old lock joined the Welsh region from Taranaki in 2007, having also played for the Hurricanes and the New Zealand Maoris.
Tito who featured in all seven Heineken Cup games for the Blues last season takes over from fellow Kiwi Xavier Rush, who will miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury and has opted to step down as skipper.
"We are glad that Paul had agreed to become captain," Young said.
"He has shown his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch since his arrival and is looking forward to the new season.
"Xavier has decided to step down as captain after doing a great job for two years in the role for us.
The Blues will face Biarritz Olympique, Rugby Calvisano and Gloucester Rugby in Pool 6 of the 2008/09 Heineken Cup.
