Super Rugby: Japan hooker Shota Horie to captain Sunwolves

Japan hooker Shota Horie has been named captain of new Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves.

The 30-year-old, who helped Japan win three out of four matches at last year's World Cup, can expect a baptism of fire when the side take on South Africa's Lions at home in their opening game on February 27, live on Sky Sports.

Horie's previous experience in the competition with the Rebels in 2013-14 made him favourite to be selected as skipper by Sunwolves coach Mark Hammett.

"It's a great honour to be named captain for the first Japanese team to play in the Super Rugby," said Horie.

"There are definitely things I can't do alone so it's important for the team to come together and work for one another."

The Sunwolves are expected to struggle in their first season, having been slow to assemble their playing squad and staff.

Damage limitation could be the order of the day as they try to avoid an opening round hammering by the Lions.

Their cause has not been helped by several marquee Japan players opting to sign for other clubs on more lucrative contracts and to accelerate their own rugby development.

Among those to have snubbed the Sunwolves are Japan captain Michael Leitch and full-back Ayumu Goromaru, who have joined the Chiefs and Reds respectively.

"Defence is likely to be the key," added Horie. "We have to be mindful of that when we go and play."

Hammett backed Horie to rally his troops.

"It was obvious he was the man for the job," said the 43-year-old New Zealander. "He leads by example, has experience of Super Rugby and is backed by the players."

The Sunwolves take on a Japanese Top League select side in a warm-up game on Saturday.

Watch the Sunwolves' first Super Rugby fixture against the Lions live on Sky Sports 2 HD on February 27