Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has been given the nod to lead the Queensland Reds for the start of the Super Rugby season.
The 26-year-old has been elevated to the captaincy while prop James Slipper recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.
Slipper will resume as captain when he returns, which is expected to be midway through the Super Rugby campaign.
Simmons, who was appointed vice-captain for 2015 alongside code-hopper Karmichael Hunt, will be leading the Reds for the first time.
"It's an honour and a proud moment in my life," Simmons said.
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"I'm grateful for the opportunity, but James is still our captain and I know he'll be offering the team plenty of leadership and support from the sidelines."
Slipper believes Simmons' passion and experience ensure he'll be a fine stand-in skipper.
He says his Australia World Cup teammate is sure to have the backing of the Reds squad.
"It's obviously disappointing that I won't be out there at the start of the season, but not only myself but the whole team has a lot of confidence in Rob," Slipper said.
"He's been at the Reds a long time and he has a genuine love for Queensland."
The Reds begin their Super Rugby preparations with pre-season matches against the Crusaders and Brumbies at Ballymore next month before their official season opener against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on February 27.
