Simon Evitts will be the on-field leader for Shrewsbury Rugby Club under new coach Keith Fowles after being chosen to succeed Paul Bolland as skipper.
The two new faces in the top jobs mean the Sundorne Castle outfit will have a brand new look ahead of the next Midlands Two West (North) season.
Fowles, the former Stourbridge and Whitchurch prop, was this week confirmed as the club’s head coach and, while he’s keen to concentrate on his new role, he’s not ruled out the possibility of also pulling on his boots.
Fowles, who played a few games for Whitchurch and Shropshire at the end of last season, said he was hopeful of putting together a strong enough team to allow him to watch from the sidelines, with back row man Evitts selected as the ideal man to take over as captain.
“Simon was really keen to take it on and he also knows Keith so it should be an excellent combination,” said club spokesman Mattie Morris.
Fowles, who lives in Shrewsbury, said he was delighted to have landed the job.
“Shrewsbury’s a club in the centre of the county with a thriving youth and junior section,” said Fowles, a former National League player.
“There’s a lot of young talent so hopefully I’ll be able to integrate them into the first team.
“There have been quite a few players retiring since the end of last season so it gives the youngsters a chance.
“It’s a positive new start with a new ethos and a new spirit within the club and the goal is to kick on and finish in a higher league position with more points.
”Fowles will meet Shrewsbury’s players for the first time at a special club night on Thursday, July 1 (7pm) and has urged as many of the existing squad members plus potential new recruits to attend.
By Stuart Dunn