Martin Whitcombe today announced that his team will be led out by a new skipper next season, with flanker Tom Booth unveiled as the successor to Brett Mitchell.

Booth played all his Junior Rugby at The Bees and captained the Colts before leaving the club to go to University in London. On his return to the club this season, Booth appeared in 25 contests, scoring three tries. He also picked up the Forward of the Year award at the end of the season.

Whitcombe said:

"I am absolutely delighted that Tom has accepted the role of club skipper for next season as he is an absolutely top class bloke, a tremendous player, a leader on the field and is respected right across the club. I am hoping Tom will be able to really drive us forward as we face the challenges of a new season in a higher division.

Tom takes up the reins from Brett Mitchell who has been superb for the club over these difficult last four or five seasons but is now stepping down due to his increasing work commitments. I know he has given his all on the field for the club and his commitment to the Bees during a time when a number of other clubs were knocking on his door has been fantastic.

I was really pleased for him that his loyalty was finally rewarded last season and he was able to claim the club's first trophy for eight or nine years when he lifted the Yorkshire One Trophy the other week.

Brett has an uncanny knack of finding the tryline, which is a bonus for us, that we have a second row who can get into double figures every season in the tries scored column. I am pleased to say that Brett will still be around to help Boothy as we try and build on our success of last season."