Bath Rugby : Meehan announces new captains

Michael Lipman holds the European Challenge Cup Trophy

Chas Williamson

Meehan announces new captains

7 August 2008, 5:55 pm

By Kate Oram

Today, Bath Rugby's Head Coach Steve Meehan announced not just one captain, but two for this coming season. Having already completed a gruelling, yet highly successful training camp in Portugal, two players stood out for Meehan to lead Bath Rugby into the 2008/09 campaign and they were in the shape of Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett.

“We’ve divided up the responsibilities,” said Meehan today at the Bath Rugby media launch. “It’s a big ask. We are still broadening the leadership base of the club – and these two guys represent, in the way they train and play, exactly what I think is important to the place. They will do a very good job as a result.”

The captaincy has therefore been split into on-the-field captain and off-the-field captain. The two roles will essentially hold very different responsibilities for the pair, but Meehan is confident that this will enhance the club and help it build upon the successes from last season. “As the club representative away from the playing side, I’m sure Alex will take care of things quite nicely, while on the field, Michael will be an excellent leader. Both of them are the style of player that I like to represent the side.”

Captaining Bath is nothing new for Crockett, having done the job several times last season whilst the-then captain Steve Borthwick was away on international duty. “When I got a few opportunities to captain the side last year, it was absolutely brilliant.” His enjoyment and hunger for the role clearly did not dissipate throughout the following months and the centre was understandably pleased upon hearing the news: “When Steve broke the news to me, I was absolutely honoured. It’s crazy thinking back to when I was a youngster on the terrace watching. I’m very proud.”

Lipman echoed his fellow captains’ sentiments adding: “Earlier in my career, I never expected to captain a club like this, but I am massively honoured. It is one hell of a club, with a great bunch of blokes and great staff and it’s a massive honour to be appointed team captain.

“The best thing about being captain of this side,” he added, “is that there are so many captains within the team. But, if there’s any guy I want beside me, it’s Alex. He is a tremendous leader.”

Don’t miss your chance to see the new captains TONIGHT (Thursday) at The Rec.