JULIAN Quick has won the race to become captain of Weymouth’s first XV.

Predecessor Mark Sample announced he was stepping down from the role at the end of last season in order to go travelling later this year.

And after a rigorous selection process, number eight Quick got the nod with second row Joe Gibson chosen as his deputy.

Head coach Paul Harding said: “Five people put their name forward for the first-team role and after a series of interviews Julian has been selected as captain for next season based on the strength of his performances last season and the fact he is a talismanic figure within the side.

“All five of the candidates were really good to be fair and it was an enormously difficult decision but I think Julian will prove to be a very good choice.

“Joe Gibson will be vice-captain. He has great enthusiasm for the game and a good rapport with everyone at the club.”

There will also be a new skipper for the second XV with Kevin Leatham replacing Nathan Allan.

Harding explained: “Kevin will be the new second-team captain and although he is a player of first-team standard, we feel he will be able to carry on the good work that was done last season.

“That means Nathan will be vice-captain. We made the change because we feel he could and should be in the first team, so we do not want him tied down to the second team like he was.

“He’s a good player and now is the time for him to prove his potential at a higher level.”

Following Weymouth Seconds’ promotion to Dorset & Wilts Two South, and the addition of a fourth tier, the Seasiders will field a third team for the 2011/12 campaign.

Harding added: “We will have a third team in the fourth division and Chris Calton will be their captain. He played in all of our teams last season so he is a good lad.

“With the addition of a new league and a bit of restructuring, it’s almost as if the seconds have been promoted two divisions.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for them next year. But they will be playing a standard of rugby that makes the transition much more manageable between firsts and seconds.”