Flanker Guy Mercer has been named Bath's club captain for the new Aviva Premiership season, with England fly-half George Ford appointed his understudy.
England playmaker Ford has assumed the vice-captaincy role, reaffirming his importance to the Blue, Black and Whites.
Ford was said to have been heavily unsettled by father Mike's departure from the club's coaching staff at the tail-end of last term b ut Bath's new rugby director, Todd Blackadder, has handed the 23-year-old the pivotal role, underlining the England fly-half's renewed focus at the Recreation Ground.
Blackadder said of new skipper Mercer: "Guy is a terrific player who knows Bath Rugby inside and out, which is an invaluable resource in a captain.
"He works tremendously hard both on and off the pitch and it's that work ethic, combined with his personality, which has earned him the respect of his team and the supporters.
"We're fortunate to have a strong core of leaders within the squad who will also play their part in what will be a big season for us, which is very pleasing from a coach's perspective."
Former King Edward's School pupil Mercer graduated through the Bath academy and has racked up more than 100 club appearances since 2011.
"This is a huge honour for me," said Mercer.
"I grew up watching Bath, so to play for them was always a huge ambition of mine, and now to have been asked to lead the players makes me incredibly proud.
"I'm really excited to be part of building the culture here at the Club, and moving forward as a group. There's a lot to look forward to, and the players can't wait to get the season started."
Source: PA
