Claassens: It's an honour

Michael Claassens has admitted it is a "massive honour" to be named Bath's new captain.

Scrum-half relishing challenge of captaincy

Michael Claassens has admitted it is a "massive honour" to be named Bath's new captain. The South African scrum-half has scored 11 tries in 54 appearances since arriving at The Rec from the Cheetahs in 2007. Bath coach Steve Meehan claims the 26-year-old "ticks all the necessary boxes" to be captain - and Claassens is relishing the challenge. "At first it wasn't an easy decision," said Claassens. "It was a massive honour and privilege but I did have to think about it because it's not just something you just accept - it's a big thing. "But when I thought everything through and spoke to Steve about everything, I was quite happy." Following all the off-the-field turmoil that has hampered Bath in the summer, Claassens insists it is time for a fresh start. Claassens said: "What happened happened and it's something that was dealt with. "We, as a squad, have moved on and we are just focused on the new season."