Billy Twelvetrees glad to hand captaincy to Greig Laidlaw

Billy Twelvetrees says he would be happy for Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw to replace him permanently as Gloucester captain.
Greig Laidlaw: Leader. Picture: GettyGreig Laidlaw: Leader. Picture: Getty
Greig Laidlaw: Leader. Picture: Getty

Laidlaw has been leading the Cherry and Whites since he returned from Six Nations duty with Scotland and the centre, who was appointed club captain in 2014 and led them to a European Challenge Cup final win over Edinburgh last year, has told local media that he would be comfortable if the world player of the year nominee took over the role full-time.

“Greig is the most comfortable in doing it with his experience, the way he runs the game and the influence he has on the forwards,” Twelvetrees told the Gloucester Citizen.

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“I know the forwards really enjoy him being captain because he demands a lot from them. I can take care of the backs in terms of communication but it is always very different being a captain in the back-line.

“By the time I get to the breakdown to inquire or to make a decision for the boys, it is good to have a leader around like Greig.”

Laidlaw recently led the team to a Premiership win over Exeter Chiefs that ended a five-game losing streak and Twelvetrees added: “I loved doing it [the captaincy] last season and I have really enjoyed doing it for a period this year. I think you could ask any player or captain at the club that, when you are losing, you feel the pressure.”

Gloucester-bound Scotland centre Matt Scott said yesterday that he would be delighted to be captained again by his national and former club skipper when he moves in the summer. “Greig is a natural leader and it will help me having a familiar face,” said Scott.

“I think he has developed into a world class player and someone like him moving has really revitalised his career. That was encouraging seeing him go to Gloucester and really thrive there.”