Higginbotham named Reds captain

Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has confirmed Scott Higginbotham as the Reds captain for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

 
The 31-year-old will be the 117th captain to lead Queensland in its 136 years of representative Rugby.

 
Higginbotham is one of the most experienced members of the current squad, having played 123 Super Rugby games and 34 Tests for Australia. He is also the most prolific try-scoring forward in Super Rugby history.

 
Higginbotham said he was honoured to take on the role.
 
“I'm very honoured to captain the Reds. Being appointed to this position by someone such as Brad means a great deal to me,” Higginbotham said.
 
“It's great to lead such a young, exciting and positive bunch of blokes. I’ve had the privilege of being captain of another Super Rugby team, and that experience will help me now.
 
“I’m also privileged to have the support of other strong leaders in the team, like Samu (Kerevi) and James (Slipper) who have done the role previously. That is only going to strengthen our side.”
 

 
Higginbotham made his debut for Queensland in 2008 and went on to play 65 games for Queensland, including a key role in the side’s Super Rugby triumph in 2011.
 
The 2018 season will be Higginbotham’s second since returning to Queensland, after three seasons with the Melbourne Rebels, including two as captain, and two in Japan’s Top League.