Aberdeen make fresh start with new captain

ABERDEEN have turned to Greig Ryan to lead the team against Glasgow this week and into the new season.

The 27-year-old back row, who played for two years in New Zealand alongside such players as All Black Liam Messam, and had a stint with Dundee HSFP, takes over as 1st XV skipper from former Glasgow pro Stuart Corsar, who takes over from Ryan as the club captain. Ryan’s first challenge will come against the Warriors at Rubislaw on Thursday as both clubs step up their pre-season training, Aberdeen opening their Premiership campaign away to promoted Hawick on 24 August.

Kevin Wyness, the former player and recent assistant who has taken over as head coach, said: “We’re all looking forward to the start of the competitive action but it is important we put the hard work in now and get the preparations right.

“The appointment of Greig as team captain is another building block which has been put in place, on top of the new signings already added to the squad. I’m delighted to be working alongside someone with Greig’s experience and enthusiasm – a quality which will undoubtedly rub off on his fellow players.

“Stuart, who does an excellent job as the club’s development officer, understands my decision to freshen things up for the new season and will have the responsibility of serving as club captain to provide a link between the squad and the committee as well as continuing to represent us in the community. He will also continue to be hugely influential on the pitch.”

Ryan played under Wyness at Ellon as a youngster and has represented Scotland at sevens level. He welcomed the extra responsibility, stating: “I’m proud to be captaining Aberdeen Grammar in the Premiership and to be part of a very committed and hard working squad.

“Stuart and I will work well together on and off the park. The club has a strong group of players and I’ve tremendous respect for everyone within the squad. We all share the ambition to really drive forward this season. These are exciting times for me personally and for the club as a whole, with everyone really looking forward to the new season.”

Thursday’s match between Aberdeen and Glasgow kicks off at 6pm. Entry is free and caps two days of community events with the Warriors in the city.