ILKLEY Rugby Club will have a new captain for next season.

Elliot Morgan is set to take the reins following Joe Rowntree’s decision to leave the club.

Morgan, 22, the eldest of head of rugby Rhys Morgan’s three sons, led the side towards the end of the recent National Three North campaign.

Now he has been handed the job on a permanent basis with forward Pat Power as his vice-captain.

Rowntree, who lost his place at scrum half to Jack Maplesden early in the new year, is going to try his luck elsewhere.

Rhys Morgan said: “Joe put a lot into the captaincy and made a good contribution to the club.

“He understands the decisions that were taken during the season were for rugby reasons and not personal.

“He leaves with our best wishes. He made a lot of friends during his time at Ilkley.”

The Dalesmen have also made changes to their backroom staff. Nathan Smith has become the club’s head coach. It is likely to mean that he will play less than he did during 2016-17.

Andy Shuttleworth, who has done such a lot of work with the club’s second XV and under-16 side, is to take on the role of assistant club coach.

Smith had an increasing influence on the first team last season and is currently working towards his Level Three coaching qualification.

Rhys Morgan is an admirer of his work. He said: “Nathan has grown in confidence and has brought a level of professionalism and thoroughness to our preparations.

“I am sure that the changes we have made to the team leadership and the coaching set up will help us to continue to progress as a club.

“We have travelled a long way over the past five seasons and have made changes every step of the way to adapt to the leagues we have been playing in.

“I believe we have a young and talented squad of players who can help this club go on to make an impact in National Three North.

“I think our ninth-place finish this season was an achievement in view of the fact we brought in so many new, young players.

“We have the foundations in place to continue to progress.”