“PROVEN leader” Gerrit-Jan van Velze was the “natural choice” to be captain of Worcester Warriors according to director of rugby Alan Solomons.

The 30-year-old number eight skippered Warriors for three seasons before handing over the reins to Donncha O’Callaghan last summer.

But van Velze who led Worcester to promotion from the Championship in 2015 has now been reappointed as club captain after O’Callaghan hung up his boots in May.

Solomons described the South African as a “popular" figure at Warriors and hailed his leadership qualities.

“When Donncha didn’t play or left the field GJ assumed the reins as captain and did an excellent job,” Solomons said.

“I think he is a proven leader and is in an ideal position to captain the side at number eight.

“He is a very calm, composed, intelligent individual who makes good on-field decisions.

“He is a popular guy so I think everyone is very happy with the decision.”

Van Velze missed almost the entire 2016-17 campaign due to concussion but came back fighting last term, making 24 appearances.

“I thought he had a terrific season as he played fantastically well for us,” Solomons said.

“He led the side well and even when Donncha played the two of them worked really well together as they dovetailed the leadership.

“We have got players in our leadership group but if you look at last season GJ was the natural choice.”

Following O’Callaghan’s decision to retire Van Velze suggested that one of Warriors’ summer signing could push for the captaincy.

Among those include Francois Venter who led the Cheetahs where new head coach Rory Duncan had left to join Worcester this summer.

“(This decision) doesn’t mean that Francois doesn’t have good leadership qualities as he does,” Solomons said.

“But he has never been in Worcester, has never played for the club and I think GJ is the right choice.”

Asked whether he had appointed a vice-captain Solomons added: “No, will just go with the captain and if GJ is not there for any reason then we will appoint someone else.”