Joe El Abd named as Bristol Rugby captain

Bristol Rugby Head Coach Richard Hill today announced  that Joe El Abd has been named as the new club captain for 2008-9.

Joe has been a first team regular since joining the club from Caerphilly in the summer of 2003, making over 100 first team appearances and captaining the team on occasion.

Richard admitted that following Matt Salter would not be an easy task but that Joe is the ideal man for the job:

“Salts has done a fantastic job. He led us back into the Premiership and played a crucial role in keeping us there. And he’s made a typically honest decision, thinking of the club before himself.”

“And I was in the fortunate position of being able to choose from a number of senior professionals at the club but I believe that Joe is absolutely the right man for the job.”

“He’s developed into a fine Premiership player, one who is well respected by the rest of the playing squad. He is also totally committed to Bristol Rugby and very active in our community work. He is and will continue to be a fine ambassador for the club as well as captain on the field.”

Joe admitted that he was delighted and privileged to take on the role and paid tribute to his predecessor:

“It’s a tremendous honour and I didn’t hesitate when Hilly approached me. Salts is going to be a really tough act to follow – he will go down as a Bristol legend in the future.”

“But I’ve learned a lot from him over the past four years and I’ve got the benefit of leading a team with a number of senior pros who will make the job that much easier.”