Weir named as Falcons' captain

Doddie Weir has been capped 61 times for Scotland

Scotland international Doddie Weir has been named as Newcastle Falcon's captain for the forthcoming season.

Weir, who has been capped 61 times for his country and toured South Africa with the British Lions in 1997.

He will lead a side which combines youth and experience in the Zurich Premiership, European Shield and Tetley's Bitter Cup.

Newcastle's director of rugby Rob Andrew said: "I am very pleased Doddie has accepted the position.

It is a great honour to be asked to captain the Falcons

  Doddie Weir

"He has been here since the start of professionalism and has gained huge respect both on and off the firled.

"Doddie is looking forward to the new challenge and in helping mould experienced players with exciting youngsters."

Weir replaces Gary Armstrong as captain of the side.

Weir said: "It is a great honour to be asked to captain the Falcons, the decision to accept the position was an easy one.

"Everyone at the club is very excited about the new season and the job of captain will be made very much easier by the amount of experience we have on the field."