Gloucester Rugby have appointed Scotland international second row Jim Hamilton as captain for the new season.
Nigel Davies, Director of Rugby at the English club who will feature in the Amlin Challenge Cup, said it was important that the club captain led with passion and commitment - setting a tone for this season's performances and bringing a hard-nosed and committed approach on the field.
Davies added: "I've been really impressed with Jim since I arrived this summer, his work ethic and commitment to Gloucester Rugby's success is without question. The kind of intense passion and energy he brings to the group adds to his qualities as a natural leader.
"He has a very positive impact on the players around him, he never plays at less than 100 per cent and it's vital our captain displays and represents the qualities and values of our whole team.
"He plays with his heart on his sleeve and is very serious about rugby and getting things right. The fact he's a hard-nosed, committed player and intense on the field is exactly what we need to bring to our game this season.
"That toughness needs to be instilled across the group; add to that Jim's natural enthusiasm and strong personality, I think he'll be a key figure for us this season.
"He has been really motivated by this opportunity and is looking forward to the new responsibility and the commitment of leading our team.
"He recognises he has the support of a strong group of experienced players to draw upon and will work well alongside him. That combination gives us a very positive atmosphere as a group."
Hamilton joined Gloucester for the 2010/11 season after three years with Edinburgh Rugby with a distinguished international career already established with Scotland.
Gloucester will kick off this season's Amlin Challenge Cup action with a demanding Pool 1 contest at Mont-de-Marsan on Thursday, 11 October.