LYMM Rugby Club are keeping it in the family.

Tom Bray will captain the first XV for the 2020/21 season.

His brother Adam Bray confirmed he would step down from skipper duties at the completion of last season and Tom, youngest of the Bray brothers, is the natural choice as his successor.

Tom has been a stalwart for the club, leading the way on the pitch with his performances and regularly being involved with coaching the next crop of talent throughout the mini and junior ranks. Fatherhood has seen Tom mature into a natural mentor, helping young players to develop and to understand the culture that has been created within the squad.

“It’s a massive honour to be named as first team captain,” said Tom. “Having been a part of this club as a mini ans junior as well as 12 seasons of senior rugby, I’m really looking forward to leading a very talented and exciting squad in what can hopefully be a successful year for us.”

Director of rugby Adam Fletcher echoed TB’s excitement, commenting: “I’ve known Tom for close to 15 years.

“He’s been an outstanding servant to Lymm RFC over the years and thoroughly deserves the honour of first XV captain.

“Tom has evolved over the last few years into a really impressive leader.

“I love the way he goes about training and really appreciate his knowledge of the game. I can’t wait to start working with Tom in his new role.”

After battling a couple of injuries last season Tom has returned to pre-season looking fit and sharp and everyone at Lymm is looking forward to seeing how he goes about bringing the best out of this young squad for the 2020/21 season.

Adam had been captain for five years and said after stepping down: “Being a part of driving standards and improvement within the senior squad is what I’ve enjoyed most. I feel like our training attitudes and sessions are now at a really high standard and I’ve particularly enjoyed being part of that and helping to lead on this.”