1
At 38-years-old Donncha O'Callaghan has finally been made a team captain
By RugbyPass
It’s taken nearly two decades as a professional rugby player, but Donncha O’Callaghan has finally been made a team captain.
ADVERTISEMENT
O’Callaghan will lead Warriors during Gary Gold’s first full season in charge after being named as the Club’s captain for the 2017/18 campaign.
Donncha O'Callaghan named Worcester club captain for 2017/18. Can't put a value on what he's done for that club.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) August 23, 2017
While he has captained both Worcester and Munster on one off occasions, this is the first time that he has been made a fully fledged team captain.
O’Callaghan, who has 94 caps for Ireland and has made four appearances for the British & Irish Lions, has been handed the captain’s armband as he prepares for his third season at Sixways.
He is joined by his former Munster colleague Peter Stringer, and both will start in a pre-season warm-up against their former club.
The lock joined Warriors from Munster Rugby in the summer of 2015 and has gone on to make 43 appearances for the Club, demonstrating his leadership abilities countless times.
ADVERTISEMENT
O’Callaghan will be assisted in his role by GJ van Velze and Ryan Mills, who have both been named as vice-captains.
Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: “Donncha has accumulated two decades of experience at the top level of the game and has played in some of the biggest matches on the world stage.
“There is no doubt that other players in the squad look up to him and I am sure he will do a superb job as our captain.
“GJ and Ryan will also play important roles to ensure the side can move in the right direction over the coming season.”
ADVERTISEMENT
O’Callaghan added: “I have loved every minute of my time at Sixways and it is a huge honour to lead this side into the new season.
“The Premiership is tougher than ever so I am focused on ensuring the lads put in the performances the supporters deserve so we can all pull together and have a successful campaign.”
During his illustrious career, O’Callaghan won the Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009 while also picking up two Heineken Cup titles and two Magners League titles with Munster.
He also captained the Lions in South Africa in 2009 and featured in three consecutive World Cups – the last of which came in 2011, where he started all of Ireland’s matches.
