MAT WEBBER is swapping the captaincy for the director of rugby role at Pocklington RUFC, writes Jack Amor.

Webber, who will continue to play for the club, is replacing Tim Clappison, who steps down after a decade in charge.

Since being appointed captain three years ago, Webber has led Pock to a trio of successful seasons.

His impressive leadership guided the club to back-to-back league championships, winning promotion from Yorkshire Two through Yorkshire One to North One East.

Last season, Pock won more than half their games to finish in sixth place.

One of Webber’s first tasks will be to name his successor as captain as the club prepare for the 2013/14 season.

On assuming full responsibility at Percy Road, the 29-year-old loose-head prop from Sutton-on-Derwent said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of the past three seasons, but felt it was the right time to change things round a bit and for me to focus on the bigger picture.”

Webber has high hopes for the future of Pocklington.

“We’ve got a young first team and some really good talent coming through from the juniors,” he said.

“We could do to strengthen in a couple of positions, and we are playing in a league where there are no easy games.

“But if we keep working hard and develop on and off the field we can continue to do well.”

Webber’s last game as captain was during a tour to France at the end of May.

The club kick off their second season in North One East against Sheffield on September 7.

They have already begun preparing with light training every Thursday at the Kilnwick Park pitches and will begin full-scale pre-season training next month.

All present, past and prospective players are welcome to join in.

Further details are available by phoning Webber on 07812 922201.