Sale Sharks name Dave Seymour as new captain

Flanker Dave Seymour has been appointed as the new captain of Sale Sharks.

The 27-year-old led the side at the start of last season in the absence of Sam Tuitupou, who becomes vice-captain.

"It's a massive honour, especially when you look at the strength of players we have in the squad," said Seymour, who joined Sale from Saracens in 2009.

"It was a great honour and privilege to be asked to do the role. I am very excited about the prospect of captaining the side next season."

The England Saxon continued: "It probably helps that I filled in as captain at the start of last season when Sammy was unavailable for the first few weeks.

"It was the first time I'd really captained a side and it was a great experience and I was very lucky to have great help from the likes of Mark Cueto, Nick Macleod and Dwayne Peel.

"It's a big responsibility and big role but I will just try to get out there and play the way I always have.

"Last season was a good one for the club and I felt I went well but that's been and gone and all the focus now is about the next nine months ahead of us.

Sale's new director of rugby Bryan Redpath added: "He's a great role model for both the other senior professionals and all of the younger guys at the club.

"Sam will be vice-captain. He's more the type of guy who leads by example. He's a tough competitor and another who is truly committed to the cause.

"We've got a lot of leaders such as Mark Cueto, Nick Macleod, Danny Cipriani and Dwayne Peel.

"What you need is some who leads by example and some who leads by thought, and we've got that in abundance."