Napier appointed 1st XV captain

Date: 31 August 2015

Preston Grasshoppers is pleased to confirm the appointment of Andy Napier as 1st XV captain for the 2015/16 season.

Napier has played at the club since being an Under 8 and after a spell away at Universtiy returned to the club in 2011, playing most of his rugby with the 2nd XV in the back row although he did register one substitute appearance for the 1st XV towards the end of the season.

'Naps' goes over for a try against Harrogate last season

‘Naps’ goes over for a try against Harrogate last season

The 2012/13 season saw Napier again playing most of his rugby with the 2nd XV but he did manage 7 appearances for the 1st XV, 5 of which were starts. Andy started to establish himself the following season at blindside flanker with some impressive performances until his season was cut short thanks to a horrific injury at Sedgley park which saw him break his tibia and fibula whilst also dislocating his ankle. It is testament to his character and determination that Andy managed to get back playing within a year.

In his first season back from the injury, Andy clocked up 23 appearances for the 1st XV and was a key member of the side that avoided relegation at Hull on the last day of the campaign. He also registered 4 tries along the way.

Check out the video below to hear what Andy had to say on taking on the captaincy, his leadership style, pre-season, Olly Viney’s impact and his ambitions for the season.

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