Tom May said being handed the London Welsh team captaincy was the proudest moment of his career.

The Exiles announced his appointment today [Monday], alongside that of Matt Corker as club captain, as the club gear up for the new Greene King IPA Championship season.

As team captain, May will run and control the team from a player’s perspective for all on field matters, including ensuring that the team’s game plan is delivered in training and on match-day, as well as setting standards on the pitch for others to follow.

May said: “When Justin pulled me aside and asked me if it was something I’d be interested in doing, I told him I’d love to do it.

“When it was announced to the rest of the squad and I addressed them, I told them that being asked to lead them was one of the proudest moments of my career.

“It’s quite a young squad, bar myself and a few other individuals, but it’s a great bunch of lads and it’s been brilliant working with them all.”

As club captain, Corker will represent the club’s core values to external partners and sponsors and ensure that they are reflected within the playing squad.

He will be the link between the players and the administration side of the club, as well as acting as a mentor to the club’s younger and newer players, providing advice and guidance, as well as playing a major role in setting standards off the pitch.

Corker is the club’s longest serving player having made his debut for Welsh in September 2007, on loan from Wasps.

He said: “I’d really like to thank Justin [Burnell] for giving me the opportunity to represent London Welsh as club captain.

“I count myself very fortunate to have witnessed and been part of the massive changes and successes that London Welsh have been through during my time at the club. I will strive to achieve the team’s goals and I can only hope that I play a major role in the club’s next chapter.

“I would like to thank our amazing fans for their on-going support and our sponsors, particularly Kelvin Bryon, who have helped to make London Welsh such a special team to play for. I am really excited about the coming season.”

London Welsh head coach Burnell said: “Matt sums up London Welsh and he possesses all three key qualities necessary to be a club captain.

"He’s got a huge amount of experience at the club, he’s a role model for the club’s younger players and he’s a hugely principled individual.

“Tom’s playing career speaks for itself. He’s the complete professional and despite being 34 is one of the fittest players in the squad.

"His tactical knowledge is second to none and I have no doubt he will channel his vast experience into being an excellent leader on the pitch.”