Elliot Kear named Wales captain

London Broncos’ Elliot Kear has been named as the new Wales captain.

Kear, 29, is the joint-fifth most capped player of all time having represented his country 24 times, scoring 11 tries.

He said: “It’ll be a huge honour to captain my country. For any Welshman playing sport, it’s a dream come true.

“I’m going to embrace the added responsibility. I’m at an age now where I’m no longer one of the young lads and I hope I can help those coming through.

“There’ll be a good mix in the squad of both youth and experience and I want to lead the boys as best as I can out on the field.”

Born in Cardiff, Kear went to school with Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton, who have gone on to captain Wales in football and rugby union respectively.

He replaces Craig Kopczak, who announced his international retirement earlier this year, ahead of this autumn’s European Championship, which acts as a qualifier for the 2021 World Cup

Coach John Kear said: “I’m really pleased to pick Elliot as my captain for this autumn’s internationals.

“He’s a proud Welshman and has been part of the international side for many years.

“He was one of the vice captains last year and all of the players have got the upmost respect for him.

“He’s now one of the most experienced members of the squad and I’m sure he’ll be a great leader for us.”

Elliot Kear started his career at Crusaders and has also played for South Wales Scorpions, Bradford and London Skolars.

He briefly switched to rugby union in 2014, playing 14 times for London Welsh.