Former Junior Bok Hanro Liebenberg to skipper Leicester Tigers

South African backrower Hanro Liebenberg has been appointed the Leicester Tigers club captain.

Liebenberg, who joined the English club in 2019 from the Bulls, is no stranger to captaincy having led the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2015.

The 26-year-old, who is the first South African and only the second non-Englishman appointed to the role in 50 years, said captaining the side was a challenge he would relish. 

 "It is a great honour for me. I know it will be a big challenge, but it is a challenge I want to take on," Liebenberg told the Tigers website. 

"I won't be suddenly changing who I am and the things I have been doing. We must all keep one another accountable, and I have asked the boys to do that, to push me and push each other forward.

"You need a captain, but it is more than just one person who leads, and we have a great group of players here, experienced and younger, who all contribute to setting the standard and leading.

"I am honoured to be named club captain of a club like Leicester Tigers, with such rich history of captains, but just as much to have been given the responsibility in this group with these players."

Liebenberg has made an immense impression since joining the club and, at the end of the 2020-21 season, was named the Supporters' Player of the Year.