Hill appoints El Abd as Bristol skipper
Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:40
Bristol Rugby head coach Richard Hill announced on Monday that Joe El Abd has been named as the new club captain for next season.
El Abd has been a first team regular since joining the club from Caerphilly in the summer of 2003, making over 100 first team appearances and captaining the team on occasion.
Hill admitted that following Matt Salter would not be an easy task, but that he believed that Joe would be an ideal man for the job.
"Salts has done a fantastic job. He led us back into the Premiership and played a crucial role in keeping us there," said Hill.
"And he's made a typically honest decision, thinking of the club before himself.
"And I was in the fortunate position of being able to choose from a number of senior professionals at the club but I believe that Joe is absolutely the right man for the job."
"He's developed into a fine Premiership player, one who is well respected by the rest of the playing squad.
"He is also totally committed to Bristol Rugby and very active in our community work. He is and will continue to be a fine ambassador for the club as well as captain on the field."
El Abd admitted that he was delighted and privileged to take on the role and paid tribute to his predecessor.
"It's a tremendous honour and I didn't hesitate when Hilly approached me. Salts is going to be a really tough act to follow - he will go down as a Bristol legend in the future.
"But I've learned a lot from him over the past four years and I've got the benefit of leading a team with a number of senior pros who will make the job that much easier.
"I'm just the latest in a long list of distinguished names who have led Bristol. I can't wait now for the season to start and hopefully skippering us to a successful season."
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
