Wales star spearheads new-look Gloucester leadership group as boss explains why it was ‘important to wait’
Dewi Lake (left) has been named Gloucester captain, following his move to Kingsholm
Wales international Dewi Lake has been named Gloucester captain for the 2026/27 season, ahead of their opener against the Exeter Chiefs.
The hooker, who arrived at Kingsholm this off-season from the Ospreys, takes over from fellow Welshman Tomos Williams after his exit to Saracens.
Captaincy is not new for Lake, who has led Wales out on 22 occasions in his Test career and served as co-captain during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Dewi Lake named Gloucester captain for 2026/27 season
Gloucester are not short of key leaders within the club, with former captain and two-time England skipper Lewis Ludlow and previous vice-captain Arthur Clark among the leading contenders for the role, but head coach George Skivington feels the leadership qualities that Lake brings made him a strong option.
“Dewi’s leadership experience is there for everyone to see,” he explained. “We’re delighted he’ll take on the role of captain this season.
“It was important for us to wait until the whole group had a few weeks in the building together under their belt before making a decision.
“The leadership process included input from the entire playing group, as well as our own assessment of who was best placed to lead this team forward through this season and beyond.”
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
Also commenting on being given the captaincy, Lake said: “I’m extremely honoured to be named captain of Gloucester Rugby. Not just because of the storied history here at the club, but also to lead an extremely talented, motivated and exciting group here at Kingsholm.
Wales star primed for PREM Rugby return as coach admits to ‘trying to hold him back’
“I’m grateful to the coaching group for the opportunity and look forward to leading the group with counsel and advice from the strong leaders already here at the club.”
Elsewhere, Gloucester have also confirmed fellow new recruit Jac Morgan and England international Seb Atkinson will serve as vice-captains this season. Atkinson also held the same role last season, while Morgan also comes straight into the leadership picture following his off-season switch from the Ospreys.
READ MORE: Henry Pollock makes major decision on future: ‘I just want to enjoy every moment of this journey’