Moana Pasifika have appointed former Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu as captain for their inaugural Super Rugby campaign.
On Wednesday, the team confirmed the test centurion and veteran of three Rugby World Cup tournaments will take the reins, when their Super Rugby Pacific season begins against the Blues on February 18.
Kepu will lead the team for the first time in a pre-season match against the Chiefs on Friday.
The 35-year-old was the first prop to reach the 100-test milestone for Australia and is their most capped at the position of all time.
In total, Kepu has played 295 first-class matches - including 141 appearances for the Waratahs - and brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the emerging talent among the Moana Pasifika squad.
"There is an indescribable bond of brotherhood in this special team, even though we have been together for only a short couple of months," says Kepu.
"Coming back to New Zealand, I never thought I would play rugby again. God works in mysterious ways, to be here and then called into the Moana Pasifika team, it was something I didn’t think twice about."
Head coach Aaron Mauger says Kepu was the natural choice as captain.
"We are so blessed to have Sekope in our environment," says Mauger. "Right from the outset, he has led by example – both in the way he trains, prepares, and in the way he contributes to the culture of our team.
"In doing this, he has effectively picked himself as leader, to take our hoi (waka paddle) and lead us as the first captain on this maiden journey.
"Since day one he has had a massive impact in how he leads and influences this team. He has been on the biggest stage of rugby and yet he carries himself with great humility. It speaks volumes of who he is.
"The team is in very good hands."
Moana Pasifika chairman Sir Michael Jones calls Kepu's appointment "another significant milestone" for the club.
"Sekope is an outstanding natural leader who carries the essence of what our community and Moana Pasifika is all about," says Sir Michael.
"The burden and responsibility of a captain is always heavy but we know he will carry this with huge mana, confidence and grace."
Moana Pasifika squad:
Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai
Props: Sekope Kepu (captain), Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikotoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua
Locks: Don Lolo, Mike McKee, Veikoso Poliniati, Alex McRobbie
Loose forwards: Henry Stowers, Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga
Halfbacks: Ereatara Enara, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea
First five-eighths: Christian Leali'ifano, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili
Midfield: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fini Inisi, Solomone Kata
Outside backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga'anuku, Anzelo Tuituvu.
