Gloucester appoint Willi Heinz as new captain for 2017/18 season

Gloucester have confirmed Willi Heinz as their new skipper for the upcoming season of Aviva Premiership.

Heinz switched from Super Rugby side Crusaders to Kingsholm in 2015 and was part of the training squad announced by England coach Eddie Jones in May earlier this year.

The scrum-half replaces Greig Laidlaw in the new role following the Scotland skipper's departure to Clermont Auvergne ahead of the upcoming season.

Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys confirmed the news on Heinz, who he believes has all the attributes to inspire the side.

“Willi has developed into a true leader of this team, and we are delighted to confirm that he will be our captain for the new season.

“He is a player who leads from the front, and who truly has the respect of his team-mates, and all of the staff with the example he sets on and off the field of play.

“We speak about having a strong core of leaders in the squad, and Willi has been a key part of that during his time at the club, and he was an obvious candidate for the role, he will be continuing to lead the group to help drive this team forward.”

Gloucester kick-off the 2017/18 season against Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm on 1st September.