Cape Town – The Stormers named Duane Vermeulen as their captain for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
He would be assisted by Juan de Jongh as his vice-captain.
Coach Allister Coetzee said the pair was well-suited for their leadership roles.
“Both Duane and Juan are long-time and key members of the Stormers playing squad,” Coetzee said.
“They know the culture well and will inspire those around them in what is the toughest provincial competition in world rugby.”
Vermeulen was given the captaincy role after regular captain Jean de Villiers suffered a long-term injury while on national duty and Schalk Burger moved to Japan.
Vermeulen had captained the side on occasions last season while De Jongh had led Western Province to the Currie Cup title last year.
“Both Duane and Juan are young leaders, but they are the right men to take this team forward in the absence of Jean and Schalk Burger joining us only when his Japanese club commitments come to an end,” Coetzee said.
A group of 38 players, including six from last season's WP under-21 squad, were currently in a training camp in Hermanus.
Coetzee said Vermeulen and De Jongh would play a major role in nurturing younger players.
“It will be a big challenge for us this year with our young squad and young leadership group, which makes Duane and Juan's roles that much more important.
“In the past our leadership groups were able to rely on experienced campaigners like Deon Fourie, Tiaan Liebenberg, Pat Cilliers, Brok Harris, De Kock Steenkamp, Peter Grant and Gio Aplon, but there are no such luxuries this year for Duane and Juan.”
Coetzee said the process was a continuation from last year where they introduced a number of rookies into the senior team.
“It gives us an opportunity to build some more depth in the process, like last season when new players like Alistair Vermaak, Ruan Botha, Kobus van Wyk and Cheslin Kolbe emerged strongly during the Super Rugby season.”
The Stormers have lined up three pre-season friendlies starting with an away match against neighbours South Western Districts on January 24, the Cheetahs at home on January 30 and Boland Cavaliers in Wellington a week later.
They open their Super Rugby campaign with an encounter against the Bulls in Pretoria on February 14. – Sapa