Palmer to lead Tykes

England international Tom Palmer has been made captain of Leeds with immediate effect.

Palmer, who made his Test debut against the USA in 2001, replaces prop Mike Shelley. His first game in charge will be Friday’s Heineken Cup clash against Edinburgh.

Second-row forward Palmer, 24, returned to the Tykes line-up only three weeks ago following a serious knee injury – and Friday’s game marks his 100th first-team appearance.

Shelley becomes club captain, with flanker Dan Hyde appointed vice-captain.

“Tom has all the potential to be a great captain for the Tykes for many years to come,” said Leeds rugby director Phil Davies.

“Mike has done a fantastic job over the past couple of years and has steered us through to the current point. But I am keen to get the most from Mike as a player over the coming years and I feel the time is right for Tom to take up the reins.

“I have always thought of Tom as a potential captain for the club – and with us now having a young core to our squad, I hope he will be able to lead this group of players to the next level over the coming years,” added Davies.

Palmer added: “I thought that further down the line I might get to captain Leeds, but never so early in my career. It is a great honour, though, and I am looking forward – with the help of Mike Shelley and Dan Hyde – to getting started on Friday.”