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Emirates Western Force coach John Mitchell has named Nathan Sharpe and Matt Giteau as the team’s on-field leaders for the 2008 season.
Sharpe will captain the side for the third straight season, while Giteau will be vice-captain in his second year at the club.
29 year-old Sharpe has captained the side on 24 occasions during his 95 match Super Rugby career, and has also led the Wallabies during his 64 Tests in the green and gold.
Giteau, who was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2007, steps into the role for the first time. A veteran of 51 Tests and the owner of 52 Super Rugby caps, the 25 year-old inside back has long been touted for leadership honours.
Emirates Western Force head coach John Mitchell said the appointment of Giteau was a sign of future planning for the transition of leadership at the club.
“We see Matt as a leader both on and off the field, and we need to look to the next generation of leaders in the squad to follow Nathan as captain,” Mitchell said.
“Matt has proven that he is a superb tactician who gives us strong direction on the field, and has the respect of the entire player group just 12 months after arriving in WA.”
Giteau said it was an honour to be elevated to vice-captain after just 12 games with the Emirates Western Force.
“It’s a privilege to be selected as vice-captain, and an unexpected one to be honest,” Giteau said.
"The team is looking to improve again in 2008, and I can’t wait to get over to South Africa and get the season started.”
RugbyWA
cool.
congrats fellas and good luck!
Well done guys
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........."
good choices....
Good to see....not least because it's a way of ensuring the best inside back in the world signs again at the end of his contract. Note Mitch likened it to succession planning!
C'mon the![]()
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good choice nice to see Gits in the leadership team.
How long has Gits got on his contract?
Posted via space
Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
Can the ARU afford him![]()
Posted via space
Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
Not if you listen to them, but he did announce in an article posted to another thread that this helps a contract renewal...Surely that's a large part of the thinking ATM. Gits is certainly a man you can build a team around, particularly when you look at current Australian backs..... We've lost a ton of experience from the Super 14 post World Cup, and Gits is a stand out in my books!
I wouldn't be surprised if Mitch is saying (Behind closed doors of course) 'when Sharpie retires, you're the captain....learn what you can from him, and if he doesn't take the field, you're it'
C'mon the![]()
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