15/1/00 - Chris settling into Sixways captain's role

But the 31-year-old Worcester Rugby Club lock has had more responsibility in the past month after taking over the captaincy from Bruce Fenley.

He had a taste of the role towards the end of last season when Fenley was injured and feels he has gradually adjusted to the extra demands.

Surprised

"I was really pleased and took it as a real compliment but was surprised that Bruce had been left out," he said.

"I thought the last three games before Christmas that I didn't play as well and didn't have as many ball carries and was worried the captaincy was affecting my game mentally.

"But the last couple of games I've felt happy and I've got into the captaincy more and enjoyed it."

Raymond is now in his fourth season at Worcester after spells at Moseley and Gloucester and has been a regular performer in two promotion campaigns.

His experience means he does not mind making important decisions on penalties which can affect the outcome of a game or a season.

"I'm quite optimistic and would always look for the try but if there's not long left they tend to pick themselves," he added.

Raymond still regards Fenley as the club captain so is happy to take a back seat when the scrum-half is on the field and Fenley was due to be captain at Orrell this afternoon.

Sharing the responsibilities is something the pair have already done some 15 years ago.

"I stepped in to play captain a few times at Moseley but the only other time was in the U17s at Gloucester when Bruce was vice-captain," he added.

"But back at school Bruce was captain and I was vice-captain so it looks like we're carrying it on."

Yet he has still found himself with more responsibility including post-match talks with the coaching staff to solve problems and build for the following match.

But he feels it has not affected his standing among the squad as a whole. "I don't think it has changed anything and I hope not."