LAUNCESTON have appointed versatile prop Mitch Hawken as their new first team captain for the upcoming Regional One South West campaign.

Hawken, 28, has spent his entire career at Polson Bridge working his way up through the youth system, and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet in recent seasons. He takes over from Tom Sandercock who is taking a break from first team rugby after a decade.

On the news, Hawken said: “It’s a huge honour and something I’m really proud of. Launceston is a great club with a lot of history and a massive amount of community, so to be given the opportunity to captain the first team is something I’m really looking forward to.

“Lloyd (Duke) and Tom are the two captains I’ve played under for the first team and they set the bar very high, so I hope to try to match that.

“I just want to lead by example and be someone that people see to give my all to the club. I give everything I can on the pitch then, when I’m off the pitch, hopefully I try to bring everyone together as much as we can to take the team forward.”

Hawken feels their new-look squad is ready for the upcoming campaign which gets underway at promoted Trowbridge on Saturday.

He concluded: “I’m really excited for the new season. I think everyone is looking forward to having a fresh start with the new coaching structure and we all want to put ourselves in the mix for selection. There’s a massive buzz around the squad and hopefully we can build into a really positive season.”

Head coach Steve Perry also had some words on the decision, adding: “Mitch is a lovely man who leads by example and is selfless. His behaviour sets the standard for men to follow.”