Van Velze named Warriors skipper - The Worcester Observer

Van Velze named Warriors skipper

Worcester Editorial 5th Sep, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

INFLUENTIAL back rower GJ Van Velze has been named Worcester Warriors captain for the 2014/15 Greene King IPA Championship campaign.

The 26-year-old, who joined the club from Northampton Saints in the summer, secured the captaincy on a permanent basis after impressing in the role during Warriors’ pre-season games.

Van Velze will take over from Jonathan Thomas, who will miss the start of the season due to a calf injury, while England international Chris Pennell will remain as vice-captain.

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “GJ has displayed true leadership qualities since joining the club this summer and demonstrated his ability to influence the side in a positive way throughout the pre-season campaign.




“We have assembled a squad which contains a number of strong characters and they will all play a significant role to move this club forward.”

Van Velze, who was part of the Saints side which lifted the Aviva Premiership trophy at Twickenham in May, is expected to lead his new side when they take on Bristol at Ashton Gate on Sunday.


Caption: Newly-appointed skipper GJ Van Velze led the team during Worcester’s pre-season clashes against Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs. Picture by Andy Baldwin.

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