Swansea coach John Connolly is sure to surprise fans and followers alike with the news he has named prop Darren Morris as the new All Whites skipper.

Only a few months ago Connolly threatened Morris with the scask unless he regained his full fitness by Christmas but he has now chosen him to take over the reigns from Scott Gibbs.

Connolly admits Morris still has some way to go on the fitness front, but naming the prop captain is a strong indication that the club has faith in the player to return to his best form.

Morris deputised for Scott Gibbs during November and the prop will lead them out against Bristol in the Heineken Cup at St Helen's on Saturday.

Connolly told the Western Mail, "Darren took over the captaincy during November while Scott Gibbs was having and recovering from minor knee surgery.

"Darren did a good job and is well-liked by his fellow players. He spoke well after games to the play-ers and we feel he is the right man to take over from Scott at this time." Connolly said the decision also relieves the pressure on Gibbs.

"Scott has been captain for a few years now and has done a good job. He has a lot on his plate off the field and has worked hard at his role at the club in the time that he has been captain.

"But we want Scott to play for another two or three seasons and sometimes players need to go that extra mile if they are going to last that long and being captain at this stage might not be the best thing for Scott."

"Darren has had to address a few things. He has worked hard on his basic fitness and he and the club have been advised of the requirements he has to attain if he is going to get back into the Wales squad."

Connolly added, "It's not going to come easily for Darren, but he is working strongly towards the goals that have been set. Basically it's up to him on the fitness front, but in the last month he has done a good job as captain.

"He has now been given the job until the end of the seasons because he is the best man for the job.