WORCESTER Rugby Club's new skipper Kingsley Jones will lead from the front in their promotion push this season.
The 31-year-old, who was appointed captain yesterday by head coach John Brain, was in buoyant mood following his sel-ection but admitted he would have to earn his team mates' respect in the coming weeks.
And the former Gloucester flanker was determined to set an example for the rest of the squad as Worcester finally look to win their place in the Zurich Premiership.
"I obviously have to gain people's respect but I wouldn't ask anyone to do something I wouldn't be prepared to do myself," he said.
"It is an honour to be made captain considering I'm a new player and it is a new club for me. I have and always will lead from the front -- that's the type of person I am."
Jones only moved to Sixways last month following a long association with Gloucester and it was the relationship he built up with Brain at Kingsholm that made up the coach's mind.
Brain was assistant coach with the Cherry and Whites for two years and was in the ideal position to assess Jones' leadership qualities with the Welshman wearing the Gloucester armband. Two years ago, he led the club to third in the Premiership and Brain had little hesitation in making Jones Worcester's new captain for the vital season ahead in National One.
"Kingsley has captained his country," said Brain. "That tells you he can do the job. He is an uncompromising player and I think Worcester need that.
"Kingsley will have a big influence on the side. He motivates players and plays with a lot of pride."
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