Alex Wilcockson will captain the Lions 1st XV for a second season having been given the role last season and second row Ollie Tapscott has been promoted to Vice Captain following an impressive season last year.

Head Coach Gareth Collins commented: ''As soon as I arrived this summer I could tell that Alex was a well liked and respected member of the group and so I had no hesitation in handing him the captaincy for this season. He always speaks positively and clearly wants to be successful. I have also been so impressed with Ollie's work rate, attitude and commitment throughout pre-season so I was delighted to be able to give him the role of vice captain. They are both natural leaders and exemplify what I expect from a Leicester Lions player.''

When asked about the role and his thoughts for the season Alex commented: ''Having enjoyed captaining the side last season it was an easy decision for me when asked if I would captain again. The squad has developed a lot over the summer with a lot of new faces who have fitted in well and are showing a good understanding of how Gareth wants us to play. We have a strong squad now and I believe we can cause a few upsets in National 2 South.''

When asked the same thing Ollie commented: ''Gaz's appointment has revitalised the club. We now have a more competitive senior squad with increased numbers and quality, equipped to thrive in National 2 South. The new lads that have come in have really impressed during pre-season and that has raised the performance of existing players. Since I joined Lions I have not experienced a buzz like this around the whole club so naturally I was delighted to become Vice Captain. I cannot wait to get the league season underway now.''

Lions play their final warm up game this Saturday (31st August) away at former National 2 North rivals Loughborough Students and then they kick off their National 2 South league campaign away at one of the league favourites, Tonbridge Juddians, on 7th September. The first home game is the following week, 14th September, when both the 1st team and development team will be in action against Old Albanian.