Kiwi prop Clarke Dermody has been appointed London Irish captain for the 2010-11 season.
Casey loses captaincy after three years
Former All Blacks prop Clarke Dermody has been appointed London Irish captain for the new season.
Dermody takes over the role from Bob Casey, who captained the Exiles for the last three years.
"Clarke is a natural captain with a wealth of leadership experience at provincial and Super 14 level in New Zealand," said London Irish head coach Toby Booth.
"He is hugely respected within the squad and always leads by example out on the pitch."
Casey demotion
Casey led the Exiles into their first Premiership Grand Final appearance, against Leicester in 2009, and Booth insisted the veteran lock still has a key role to play at the club.
"I would like to thank Bob for his fine captaincy in the past three seasons and stress the important role that players of his experience have on the continued development of our squad," said Booth.
"The physical nature of Premiership rugby encourages the need for leaders all over the pitch and teams can no longer rely on one leader.
"Clarke will be our figurehead but the contribution of Bob and our other senior players will be paramount to our success on the pitch."
Dermody joined London Irish in October 2007 from Otago's Super 14 franchise the Highlanders.
The 30-year-old said: "I have experienced captaincy playing in New Zealand and it is something I enjoy doing. We have a very talented squad again this season and I am confident that we will be able to fulfil our potential."
