Mike Ayrton and Ean Griffiths named Cambridge co-captains
Duo share duties at rugby club
Ean Griffiths and Mike Ayrton have been named as co-captains of Cambridge Rugby Club for the forthcoming National League One season.
Winger Ayrton and hooker Griffiths are stalwarts at Volac Park, both having made more than 100 appearances for the club.
They replace the departed Stefan Liebenberg as captain, and mark a different approach to the role for Cambridge director of rugby Ross Stewart.
“Obviously with Stef leaving last year, there has been a lot of talk about who the captain was going to be moving forward,” said Stewart.
“We decided that we weren’t going to rush into a decision; that we were going to let the group mature within themselves and allow everyone to have a bit more freedom.
“I think that’s worked really well; we’ve got young lads that are willing to speak in training, and we’ve got more experienced guys who are stepping up.
“We’ve now decided to go with Ean Griffiths and Mike Ayrton as co-captains, who have basically shown us what we want from our captains over the pre-season period with no inclination that they were going to get the role.
“We’ve decided to go down the co-captain route just to take a bit of pressure off them, as it’s their first time.
“Our understanding on the pitch is that we want people to have a say, but not get overwhelmed, and we’re hoping the two can work together.
“One being on the wing (Ayrton), and one being right at the front (Griffiths), when a decision does need to be made, we have that seniority across the pitch and the decision can be made.
“I’m really pleased for them both, they deserve it, they’ve both committed to this club massively and they want to give back and do the best job they can.”
Cambridge start the new National League One season away to Fylde tomorrow (September 2).
And chairman Rob Dean welcomed the captaincy announcement.
”I couldn’t be more pleased for Mike and Ean,” he said.
“They’ve both been here a fair amount of time now and have bought into the ‘One Club’ ethos and culture we promote at the club.
“As such they are great adverts for the club externally and just tremendous role models for our developing players as well as those in the Mini and Youth set-up.”