Saints will unveil the new club captain in the New Year.
SAINTS coach Paul Wellens says the club will choose James Roby’s successor as captain in the new year, while emphasizing the need for the next generation of leaders to step up.
Roby, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, and Will Hopoate’s retirements have left some significant experience gaps to fill.
However, Wellens is calling for some of the team’s abroad players to step up another level in the leadership group stakes.
Wellens stated, “There has been a shift in dynamics when it comes to group leadership.
“But I am certain that there are already a handful of players with strong leadership abilities, and we are looking for those men to stand up.
“We have a good number of overseas players now – and all have a wealth of experience and have shown great leadership qualities and we’ll be calling on those guys to step up this year.”
There are plenty of prospective candidates, but current vice captain Jonny Lomax appears to be the front-runner.
“It is something we will make a decision on in the new year and don’t feel there’s any need to rush that,” Wellens said in a statement.
“I have a pretty great relationship with Jonny, as I do with many of the players.
“We are in continual communication there about leadership, so I believe that given the change in dynamics we have already discussed, we will make the proper decision about how this organization will be led in 2024.
“A captain will be named at the beginning of next year, but it will not be solely their responsibility to lead the team.
“Our success in recent times has come off the back of a strong leadership group and that will continue.”
