New Worcester Warriors captain Dean Schofield has spoken of his ‘huge honour’ at being handed the top role at Sixways – but insists he wants a team full of voices and leaders around him this season.
Head Coach Richard Hill has revealed former England man Schofield will captain the Warriors after making a big impression since his summer switch from RC Toulon.
Second row Schofield, a captain in the Aviva Premiership for Sale Sharks during the 2009/10 season, admits he did not have to think twice when offered the position by Hill.
“It’s a huge honour to be asked to captain the Warriors,” said Schofield. “It’s a relatively new side that has seen a lot of changes in the squad with new guys coming in, but there is real positivity around the club ahead of the new season and that is a great sign.
“This season is all about the players performing on the field – I will do everything I can to make sure that happens.
“I’m not going to stand here and bang the drum about what we will achieve. It’s not about what I say but what we produce, getting wins out of the squad and showing people what we’re about on the field.
“We want to start big and it’s down to everyone in the squad to get results on the pitch. First up we have Bath, a big away trip to Leicester and then a local derby against Gloucester. We have to be confident and strong from the start.
“When I got offered it there was no second thought,” he added. “It was a straight answer; I didn’t have to think about it.
“I have captaincy experience with Sale and Toulon and it is not something I feel means I have to change what I am about and how I play the game to do. It is what it is and I will just get on with it.
“I might be the captain but there are 15 men on that field, 15 voices and only together we get results.”
Schofield could lead the Warriors for the first time on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff Blues in pre-season and he admitted it would be a special moment for him if selected for the Arms Park clash.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team – hopefully that will happen on Saturday for the first time,” he said.
“Saturday is a big one, we want to show what we are about and it will be tough at Cardiff. But this is a chance to show what we’ve been working on.
“I want us to start with a winning mentality this season; we need to win games away from Sixways so we can start away at Cardiff. I’m really excited about it.”
Schofield also revealed the captaincy could just be the start of a hectic week that is also set to see the arrival of a new baby.
“It’s a busy time as I move into a new home in Worcester, settle into the city and my new baby is due to arrive at the weekend,” he said.
“But I live my life spinning a lot of plates and keeping busy, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m enjoying every second and giving everything 110 percent.”
“I’m not going to stand here and bang the drum about what we will achieve. It’s not about what I say but what we produce, getting wins out of the squad and showing people what we’re about on the field…"