Preston Grasshoppers is very pleased to announce prop forward John Peterson as the new 1st XV captain for the coming 2016/17 season.
John joined the club as a Mini at the age of 6 and went on to make his 1st XV debut in 2004 against Longton, aged just 18.
During his time at Hoppers John has become a very well respected club man both on and off the field. As well as playing over 150 games for the 1st XV, John also runs the club’s thriving social media channels and website, and has helped to organise many of the club’s social events and functions.
John has suffered with various injuries over recent years but enjoyed a promising return last season, playing in 13 games and making up a big part of the Hopper’s scrum which left many opposition packs in it’s wake.
John crosses the line against Huddersfield last season
On the appointment of the new captain, head coach Garth Dew said, ‘I have known John for many years and I know he will be very proud to take on the role of 1st XV captain. After last season’s captain Andy Napier announced he was leaving, I spoke with Alan Holmes and it was clear that John was the perfect man to take the position. We are still a very young squad, and therefore we wanted someone who could lead effectively on the field, but also pave the way off the field by defining the attitude, culture and values that the squad lives by. No one is more deserving of this role than John, and I’m looking forward to seeing him lead the lads out during what will hopefully be a successful year for the team.’
On becoming 1st XV captain, John said, ‘This is without doubt the biggest honour in my career. I have been a Hopper for 24 years and to be given the opportunity to captain the 1st XV is truly humbling. I intend to give the role my all and when the captaincy was offered to me I had no hesitation in accepting. There have been some great Hoppers captains down the years and I will draw on them for inspiration as I take to the job. We’ve had a great pre-season so far and I hope everyone in the club will vocally get behind us when we start the season.’
Everyone at the club would like to congratulate John and wish the squad all the best for the coming season.
