RUGBY: Former Inverness Craig Dunain player named new captain of top English team Harlequins
Former Inverness Craig Dunain player Jade Konkel-Roberts has been named as captain of top English rugby club Harlequins.
The 29-year-old Scotland international has been given the armband at the South-West London club which plays in the English Premiership.
Konkel-Roberts, who comes from Munlochy, signed for Harlequins in 2018, having previous played for Stade villeneuvois Lille Métropole in France after playing for Inverness Craig Dunain and Hillhead Jordanhill in Scotland.
The Number 8 has also amassed 62 caps for her country, and was named in Scotland’s squad at the WXV2 where they won all three games, including Friday's 38-7 win over Japan along with victories over South Africa and the United States.
The former Fortrose Academy pupil will be joined by vice-captains Emily Robinson, Emily Scott and Rachael Burford at Harlequins.
Last season, Konkel-Roberts was named as Harlequins' player of the season helping the club to fifth place in the league.
Speaking about being named as the new captain of Harlequins, Konkel says it is a huge honour.
Konkel-Roberts said: “It means absolutely everything. Quins is the only club in the Premiership I’ve ever played for, and the only club I ever want to play for. We’ve got a great group of players and staff and we’ve really got that one club ethos, we strive to be better and that’s something I’m excited to be a part of.
“The strength we have in our leadership group is immense, over the years I’ve learnt so much from Burf, Scottie and Emily and I think being able to continuously learn from them and grow as a group is fantastic.
"What they’ve done for this team over the years is immeasurable.”
Head coach Amy Turner said: “Jade epitomises everything it means to be a Harlequin, she lives the values we strive towards in everything she does. She has always led by example and is the ultimate professional both on and off the pitch.
“We’re proud to be able to name a player like her as our club captain, and look forward to her working alongside a really experienced leadership group in Rachael Burford, Emily Scott and Emily Robinson."