Aviva Premiership
Hooper retains Bath captaincy
ESPN Staff
August 8, 2012
Bath's Stuart Hooper takes the attack to Quins, Harlequins v Bath, Aviva Premiership, Twickenham Stoop, Twickenham, England, October 31, 2010
Stuart Hooper will skipper Bath next term © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Stuart Hooper
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Teams: Bath Rugby | England

Bath Rugby have confirmed that Stuart Hooper will retain the club's captaincy for the forthcoming 2012-13 Aviva Premiership season.

Hooper made just 13 appearances for Bath last season with a variety of injuries keeping him on the sidelines. The likes of Francois Louw and Michael Claassens took on the captain's armband in Hooper's absence but new boss Gary Gold has opted to stick with the second-row as his skipper.

"Stuart is an exemplary leader, both on and off the field," Gold said. "His leadership qualities have been evident to us since the start of pre-season, and obviously to the club before that, and he is a hugely dedicated professional. He is a strong communicator, a very clever player and his work ethic is outstanding. Possibly most importantly of all, he has the complete respect of all the players and staff here."

Hooper was delighted to retain the captaincy saying: "I feel an immense amount of pride and honour in being asked by Gary and the coaches to continue as captain this season. As a group we are hugely excited about the season ahead and on a personal level I look forward to fighting for my place in a hugely competitive squad and leading the team into the coming season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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