Former Otago prop Carl Hayman will captain his English club Newcastle next season.
Tighthead Hayman, one of the best performers in the recently completed English Premiership, takes the skipper's arm band from Phil Dowson, who is joining Northampton.
The 45-test veteran from Otago described the appointment as an honour.
"Firstly, it's a privelege to be asked to captain a great club like Newcastle Falcons through such an exciting chapter in its history, especially as a relative newcomer to the north-east," he said.
"With the club's established squad members and our talented new signings, the 2009/10 season is one that supporters, sponsorsand players can all be excited about." Reports earlier this year said Hayman was unhappy at Newcastle and considering a return to New Zealand.
He doused that speculation in March, committing to see out the remainder of his contract next season.
The 29-year-old has remained silent on his future beyond that, with the New Zealand Rugby Union desperately keen to re-sign him ahead of the 2011 World Cup.
Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates said Hayman's influence at the Falcons had been enormous.
"Carl is someone who commands instant respect right throughout world rugby, and is the natural choice to lead us next season," he said.
"He quite rightly has a fearsome reputation as a player, and is the sort of character who will drive up standards right across the board."
