London Scottish can today confirm that Rory Bartle will captain the first team for the 2016/17 season.

The Welshman featured in 23 of the 28 matches last season, and can play in either the second-row or back-row, making him a huge asset to the squad. 

The 20-year-old will join forces with the likes of Neale Patrick, Dom McGeekie, Ally Miller and Eoin Sherriff alongside him in the second-row giving the Scots strong strength in depth in that position. 

Bartle already has an impressive amount of experience, having featured in both Gloucester and Cardiff Blues academies, and he has also represented Wales Under 20s. 

The season before joining the Scots was spent studying at Hartpury College, where he also featured heavily for the National One outfit. 

Bartle is thrilled to have been given the captaincy. “It means an awful lot to be named captain. It’s reassuring to have the coaching staff backing me and I’ll do my upmost to step up to it.”

Director of Rugby Sean Lineen sees the Welshman as the perfect fit to lead the side for the new season. 

“Rory impressed us all in his first season and we are confident that he will do a great job of leading the side.”

He added: “It’s a big responsibility but one that he will thrive on as we approach the new season.”

Watch an exclusive interview with the new captain below: