Gloucester Rugby can today reveal that British and Irish Lions and England centre Billy Twelvetrees will be the club captain for the 2014-15 season.

The 24 year-old, in his third season at the club after joining from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2012-13 season is now a key member of the England squad and has been handed the role ahead of an exciting season at Kingsholm by Director of Rugby David Humphreys and Head Coach Laurie Fisher.

A first team regular during his time with the Cherry and Whites, Twelvetrees became the first player from Kingsholm since Phil Vickery in 2001 to represent the British and Irish Lions on the victorious tour of Australia in 2013 and has since cemented his place as a keystone in the England midfield under Stuart Lancaster.

Domestically, Twelvetrees' leadership skills were displayed when he stepped in to take the captaincy during the absence of Tom Savage and it was his predecessor that Twelvetrees praised when he spoke to the club website.

"It is an honour to take the role of club captain of this great club, I worked hard last season alongside Tom to provide leadership to the squad.

"Last season, Tom lead by example when he was in the team, and it is this example that I want to follow going forward into the new campaign.

"I've had the honour to have represented two of England's greatest clubs in Leicester Tigers and the Cherry and Whites and to now have the privilege to captain Gloucester is something I dreamt of and I am thankful to the coaches for entrusting me with the role.”

Director of Rugby David Humphreys explained that the decision to appoint Twelvetrees was one he was pleased with, with plenty of candidates suitable to lead the Cherry and Whites.

"In the short time that I have known and worked with Billy, he has lead by example in everything he does, both on and off the pitch.

"We're all delighted that he has accepted the captaincy and his leadership and international experience will be crucial as the players and management prepare for the start of the new season.”