Rugby: Flavell to be Blues captain

Troy Flavell

The Blues have made a curious choice for captain for the upcoming Super 14 rugby season.

The controversial Troy Flavell has been named to take over from last season's leader Keven Mealamu.

The change is due to the fact that Mealamu is involved in the All Blacks conditioning programme, which will keep him out of the Super 14 for the first eight weeks.

The aggressive Flavell has had a checkered past when it comes to on-field discipline, including a 12-week ban in 2003 for stomping.

But Blues coach David Nucifora says Flavell is a natural leader and says he will captain the team with maturity and commitment.

He says Mealamu was not comfortable with stepping into the captaincy role after eight weeks on the sidelines.

Flavell says the team needs a captain from the start to the finish of the Super 14 season, ruling Mealamu out.

- NEWSTALK ZB