Bradford & Bingley have named back-rower Guy Ford as their new captain for next season.

He replaces Kiwi prop Ryan Wederall, while 30-year-old centre Steve Brimacombe will be the vice-captain for the National League Three North club.

The Bees director of rugby Martin Whitcombe said: “Ryan has done an outstanding job for us as captain but I know as a former prop myself how difficult it is to lead a team from the front row.

“We just want Ryan to concentrate on his rugby so we can get the best years out of him.”

Ford, 24, like Wederall, joined the Bees from Otley, and Whitcombe said of the powerful back-rower: “He has outstanding qualities, is a natural leader and the players look up to him.

“Steve is an experienced player, has great qualities and is also well respected.”

Scrum half Richard Scull, 22, also took the armband at the end of last season when Wederall was on the bench.

Whitcombe added: “I am sure that Richard will be the first-team captain in the future and he can learn from Guy and Steve.”

Bradford & Bingley have also been making changes off the field with a new rugby committee, who will meet on the first wednesday of every month.

It will be chaired by former prop Peter Rae, who has played for Bingley, Bradford, Morley and Bradford and Bingley.

He will be joined on the committee by his brother Tony, who is the new club president.

Also on the committee are former players John Fletcher, Simon Scull (father of Richard) and Roger Harrison, who has replaced his late dad Peter in the markerting and sponsorship department.

Joining him is vice-captain Brimacombe, who is Roger’s cousin, and rejoining the committee is Tim Robinson as social secretary.

Peter Rae replaces Glen Shaw, who has stepped down as chairman.