SARACENS will be led into a new era by Hugh Vyvyan, after the back-row forward was unveiled as the captain for the 2004/05 season.

The 27-year-old, signed from Newcastle Falcons, was chosen by head coach Rod Kafer and his coaching staff ahead of Taine Randell and Alex Sanderson as the man to replace Simon Raiwalui, who relinquished the role in an attempt to concentrate on his own game.

"Simon Raiwalui did a fantastic job as captain last season in difficult circumstances," explained Kafer. "He featured in every game for us last season and is an outstanding player to have in the squad.

"But he is comfortable with the fact that he is not captain and one of the great qualities about Simon is that he just wants to play every game and feels without the extra responsibilty of captain that he can get that edge back into his game. To unburden one of our most abrasive and direct players is going to be a great asset for us."

Kafer admitted that he considered the likes of Randell, Sanderson, Richard Hill, Raphael Ibanez, Kyran Bracken and Moses Rauluni before eventually opting for Vyvyan, who captained England A on the Churchill Cup tour.

"There were a number of candidates for the role within the squad all with experience of either leading their club or country," added Kafer.

"People may look at the squad and feel that there are better people qualified to captain the side, but we've put a lot of time in deciding the captaincy and it's not a decision we have made lightly. We consulted all of the senior players who we felt could have led the side and they are all of the opinion that, if they are not to be captain, then Hugh is the best candidate.

"We wanted our selection of captain to mirror the criteria of our recent recruitment policy. We were looking for an English-based player and someone who could lead the club in the long term Hugh fits into that category."

The appointment was also endorsed by Saracens Rugby Manager Steve Diamond, who was a major influence in luring Vyvyan to Vicarage Road.

"Hugh is a very experienced club and international captain. I've been very impressed with his leadership of the England A side and he is someone who can captain the side in the long term."

Vyvyan's leadership skills have also caught the attention of Sir Clive Woodward who handed the back-row forward the captaincy for the exhibition match against the Babarians at Twickenham in May.

That came just weeks after Vyvyan had inspired Newcastle Falcons to Powergen Cup glory, and he will return to Twickenham in September as captain once more when he leads out the Men in Black for the first time in a competitive match in the mouth-watering London Double Header against Wasps.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to pull on the new jersey and play for the first time," Vyvyan said.

"I must admit it did take me by surprise because there are some fantastic players in the side who have led both their clubs and country with great distinction.

"I'm looking to improve as a player and captain at Saracens and there is a great mixture of experience and youth at the club.

"There is a fantastic atmosphere around the training ground and we are all preparing hard for the new season. It's been a busy few months for me after moving down from Newcastle and I'm really looking forward to the future with Saracens."

Many fans will see Vyvyan's appointment as a clue to the make up of the back row Vyvyan set to line up at eight with Randell switching to six and Hill lining up at seven but Kafer refuted the suggestion that being captain guarantees Vyvyan a starting spot.

"There is a lot of competition in the squad this season and nobody has an automatic right for a place in the team. Performances will decide team selection."