London Welsh’s new skipper has promised to reinvigorate the exiles’ fortunes and drive them to Championship glory.

Matt Corker was announced as captain for the season today (Friday) after two years as club captain.

Corker, a championship winner with the Exiles in 2012 and 2014, is entering his ninth season at London Welsh and has racked up 225 appearances in that time.

The 32-year-old is one of just 13 players to have reached the milestone of 100 league games for London Welsh, and he leads the way with 176 league appearances.

Corker will combine the captain’s role with his new position as lineout coach.

He said: “I would like to thank Rowland [Phillips] and his coaching team for giving me the opportunity to continue as captain in such an important season for the club.

“Being captain of London Welsh is something that I am immensely proud of and I aim to lead the team honestly and with a renewed drive for success.

“London Welsh is a very special club and despite coming off the back of such a tough year I have the upmost confidence in the squad’s commitment to our Championship campaign.”

London Welsh head coach Phillips said: “Matt is hugely respected by players, coaches and supporters alike at London Welsh. He leads by example on the pitch and is a model professional off it.

“Matt has given tremendous service to London Welsh over the past eight seasons, he understands the club and its history, and was therefore the ideal candidate to captain the side as the club prepares to make its return to its spiritual home of Old Deer Park.”