Hard-working lock Sam Wykes has been appointed to captain the Western Force until regular skipper Matt Hodgson returns about two months into the Super Rugby season.
Coach Michael Foley chose 26-year-old Wykes to take over after Wallaby flanker Hodgson suffered a hamstring injury in a pre-season match which is expected to sideline him until after the Force’s week eight bye.
A veteran of 74 Super Rugby matches since his debut in 2008, Wykes will lead the team in their season opener against defending champions NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.