Jonathan Mills named London Welsh captain

Jonathan Mills has been confirmed as London Welsh captain for their first season in the Premiership.

Mills, 28, led Welsh to Championship success last season and is the Exiles' longest-serving player. He recently signed a new contract with the club.

The back-row forward began his London Welsh career with an unbeaten four game loan spell from the Scarlets in January 2007, before making the move permanent.

Mills has made 141 appearances for the club, scoring 11 tries.

He made his 100th league appearance for the Exiles in the club's victory at Leeds Carnegie on the opening weekend of last year's Championship season.

But Mills would endure an injury-interrupted season, before making a timely return to guide the Exiles through the play-offs.

"I'm very happy to keep doing the job and delighted that Lyn [Jones] thought I did a good job last season," said Mills.

"The captaincy brings out the best in me. The way I play, I lead from the front anyway and hopefully it inspires the other boys to an extent.

"I've experienced lows during my time with the club, but it's moving forward now and it's really exciting times.

"The standard of players we're signing and who want to come to the club shows how far London Welsh has progressed, and hopefully it will keep getting stronger and moving forwards."