KINGSLEY Jones was today appointed Worcester Rugby Club's new captain for their vital season ahead.

The 31-year-old takes over from last year's skipper Alistair Murdoch as head coach John Brain looks to stamp his authority on the club.

Jones became the obvious contender for the post following his move from Gloucester to Worcester last month, especially because of his relationship with Brain.

The former Kingsholm assistant coach was impressed by Jones when he helped the club to third in the Premiership two years ago.

Brain said: "I worked with Kingsley very closely when he was captain at Gloucester and he had a very positive effect on the side.

"He is very good for team morale and is a big influence on and off the pitch. He has a good rugby brain and is a very astute thinker on the pitch -- he has the ability to make the right decisions in awkward situations.

"I know Kingsley already and I know he can do the job. He has a similar role at Worcester to the one he had at Gloucester and that is making sure the team fulfils their potential and ambitions.

"He is very ambitious. He wants to play at the top level and he certainly did not come to Worcester to just go through the motions --he wants to get back into the Premiership."

Coach Brain paid tribute to Murdoch's contribution as Worcester skipper last season.

He added: "It will be a tough act to follow for Kingsley because if you look at Worcester's record last season, they only lost two league games. I had a chat with Alistair and he was very positive about the appointment. He accepts that it is difficult to captain a side from the wing."

Brain, though, is not just expecting leadership from Jones this season. "A successful team has to have leaders all over the pitch.

"Kingsley will be the captain but there is a lot of experience in the squad now. Players such as Alistair and Ben Clarke will be vital in helping him."