Elsom handed ‘Tahs captaincy

VETERAN WALLABY flanker Rocky Elsom will captain the Waratahs this year.

The 75-test veteran, who re-joins the Sydney-based franchise after a two-season stint with the Brumbies, takes over the duties from the retired Phil Waugh.

Coach Michael Foley says the 28-year-old was the “standout candidate” from the side's eight-man leadership group.

“We have spent the past months in discussions with senior players in an effort to determine the best man for the job,” he says.

“There will never be a perfect replacement for retired skipper Phil Waugh. However, after defining the role and what it was the players expected and wanted from a captain, Rocky was the standout candidate.”

Lock Dan Vickerman, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, loosehead prop Benn Robinson, five-eighths Berrick Barnes, inside centre Tom Carter, centre Rob Horne and wing Drew Mitchell are the other members of the side’s leadership group.

Elsom is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be available for the Waratahs within the first month of the new season.

The ‘Tahs open their Super Rugby campaign against the Reds on February 25.