Joe Launchbury retained as Wasps skipper for upcoming season

Wasps have confirmed that England international Joe Launchbury will remain as the captain of the Aviva Premiership club for the upcoming 2017/18 season as well.

The 26-year-old joined the Ricoh Arena outfit in 2010 and has captained them to the Aviva Premiership final last season where they went on to lose to the eventual champions Exeter Chiefs.

Wasps rugby director Dai Young believes the decision to continue Launchbury as captain was a straightforward decision.

"Joe did a really good job for us last season, and he will only get better the longer he does the role.

"He has become a natural leader around the place and has grown with the responsibility of being captain and a senior squad member.

"Great teams don't only rely on one or two leaders, they have at least five or six, and that is what we want to continue to build here.

"As well as being an incredibly talented player, he has the respect of the entire squad and coaching staff and has really helped to drive standards."

The former England Under 20 has played 44 Tests for the red rose team between 2012 and 2017.