DORCHESTER Rugby Club have appointed James Newsam as club captain for the 2017/18 season.

After a decision to reintroduce the role that had not been filled for some years, the club chose Newsam as a natural leader and inspiration to his peers on the pitch.

Locally born and having played at Dorchester from the age of 11, Newsam captained the first team for two seasons before a move to Taunton to play in the National Leagues for three seasons.

To date Newsam has played 180 senior games for Dorchester and scored 30 tries.

He has played in all age groups from under-11 right through to the senior men’s side.

Alongside Dorchester Rugby Club he has also played for Dorset & Wilts at all levels from under-12 to seniors, making him a very experienced head on the pitch.

Part of Newsam’s role will be to help and mentor younger players and integrate them into the senior rugby set up and the first team.

A club spokesman said: "Having made that journey himself for the club and proudly worn the green and white of the county town he is ideally placed to see the next generation move through the clubs ranks.

"With his natural rugby ability and competitive nature on the pitch he will add strength and leadership to the senior sides both on and off the pitch."

Regular individual team captains will still be in place for the three senior sides, and Newsam will be on hand to encourage them and bond the players together in a cohesive senior squad, and to watch the club thrive with all three senior sides hungry to win.

Already a well-known friendly face at the club, and following his welcome return from Taunton last season, Newsam will be in his familiar role in the back row of the pack urging the team forward to great things.