Smith, Dixon named Highlanders co-captains

Fullback Ben Smith will have his third co-captain in three Super Rugby seasons at the Highlanders after hooker Ash Dixon was promoted.

Fullback Ben Smith will have his third co-captain in three Super Rugby seasons at the Highlanders. (AAP)

Maori All Blacks skipper Ash Dixon has been named Highlanders co-captain alongside Ben Smith for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Hooker Dixon replaces Shane Christie in the role, with the flanker keen to focus solely on his playing duties.

All Blacks fullback Smith has his third co-captain in the space of three seasons after sharing duties with departed No.8 Nasi Manu when the Highlanders were crowned champions in 2015.

New coach Tony Brown says the 28-year-old Dixon, who is also captain of Hawke's Bay, was an obvious candidate for the role given the respect he commands.

A former Blue and Hurricane, Dixon shares the Highlanders hooker duties with one-Test All Black Liam Coltman and Auckland rake Greg Pleasants-Tate.