BEN Hinshelwood has revealed his delight at being named Worcester Warriors' new club captain.

The Scottish international centre was yesterday handed the honour of leading the Sixways club into their debut season at Zurich Premiership level.

And the 27-year-old, who has been on a Polish training camp with Scotland, was relishing the task.

"It's a great honour for me," he said. "Certainly we're all excited about the season ahead and to lead the side into the Premiership is a real privilege."

Head coach Andy Keast said the decision was a tough one after Tony Windo's efforts last season. However, with Hinshelwood likely to be the first name on the team-sheet, the centre was the outstanding candidate.

"It was a very tight decision," said Keast. "However, when Ben is on form, he picks himself and he's certainly a great leader and somebody that the rest of the squad respects."

Keast was keen, though, to make the point that a new leader could yet emerge from the 14 new signings.

"Ben is club captain which means that he may not necessarily be the skipper on a match-day," he said.

"If somebody shines in training and during the pre-season matches then they may be made captain for the Newcastle match on September 5."

Meanwhile, Keast confirmed that South African hooker Andre van Niekerk has become Worcester's 14th summer signing. The 27-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Sixways.