Mark Denney played down the responsibility he now faces having been officially appointed team captain for Wasps this season in place of the injured Lawrence Dallaglio.

The announcement was made today by Wasps director of rugby Nigel Melville who said: "I wanted someone whose game would not be affected by being in charge.

"Lawrence will take over from Mark when he's ready."

Melville added: "I have given a lot of thought to this subject during the summer. A few players came under review but Mark impressed me when he did the job a year ago as Lawrence was briefly out of action.

"It had to be someone the players would respect, someone who naturally earned his place in the squad by his ability and someone who would be able to get on well with Lawrence when he returns. Mark gets the vote."

Denney, who signed for Wasps three seasons ago, played down the responsibilities of his new role.

He said: "We've got a lot of experienced players. My job will be a lot easier than most people think."

With Shaun Edwards joining the coaching staff from rugby league, Melville did not rule out attracting more players from the rival code.

Melville said: "If we look to rugby league it will be for young players with potential."

Wasps kick off their Zurich Premiership season on Sunday when they take on Saracens at Loftus Road.

Wasps will this season be without full-back Johnny Uston, who has failed to recover from the last in a long line of leg injuries, while Andy Reed has moved to Exeter as player/coach and fellow second row Mark Weedon has retired and returned home to New Zealand.

Prop Andrew le Chevallier has also moved on to Swansea and Lions centre Rob Henderson has moved back to Ireland with Munster.

But newcomers Craig Dowd, the All Blacks' most capped prop and Rory Jenkins from Harlequins are expected to make a big impact this season.