DARLINGTON Mowden Park Sharks fly half Katy McLean has been named as the new captain of the England women’s team.

She makes the step up from vice-captain and has described her new captaincy as “a massive honour”.

The 26 year old, a fly half, said: “There are so many natural leaders in our squad that it makes it even harder to believe they have asked me.

“It’s a massive honour to be England captain, a dream I have had since I started playing.

McLean, who lives in Gateshead and is studying to become a teacher, succeeds Catherine Spencer who stepped down last week.

McLean added: “I have been lucky to captain England a couple of times so I have the experience, but even so it is a massive difference from being vice-captain. Catherine did an amazing job captaining her country, it was an honour to be her vice, and I am sure I will be seeking her advice throughout the season.

“This is a new start, however, a new four year cycle to the next world cup, and a lot of new players have come in so I am extremely excited for them to show their potential and I will certainly do my best to support them as well as my more established team-mates.

“I can’t wait for the Six Nations to kick off. Wales is always a tough game and it will be even tougher since we are in Wales so as a side we need to ensure we build on our world cup performances and set up a good marker for ourselves.”

England head coach Gary Street said: “For a young player Katy has a wealth of experience behind her and she is an incredibly influential tactician on the pitch.

“When she’s previously stood in as captain she has led the team tremendously well and certainly her vice captain experience puts her in good stead.”

McLean was handed the vice-captaincy role for England’s 2009 and 2010 seasons and also deputised during the World Cup last year.

At Mowden Park she has enjoyed winning the championship last season after beating Bath in the grand final.

McLean’s appointment comes weeks before the Six Nations games and she now has three weeks to prepare her troops for battle ahead of their opening game against Wales on February 6 at Cross Keys RFC as the England side look to defend last year’s triumphant tournament win.