Wetherby’s longest serving captain James Gibson stood down from the role after leading the Reds to an invincible season in Yorkshire Three in his fourth year.

Warden was elected to serve a second stint as first team captain at the annual general meeting last week, and is bidding to continue the club’s record success.

He said: “The obvious target is to do better than this season and go for the treble, including the National Junior Vase at Twickenham.

“If we can also try and bring some of the colts through, and ensure the second team is used as a development side, we will go from strength to strength.”

Warden held the captaincy in 2008 but endured a tough year in charge. However, with the support network of coach Mike McHugh-Hicks, Rob Adair and Nick Oates, he feels blessed to be back at the helm.

“It’s an honour and a chance for me to make amends,” he added.

“I felt I was a little bit too young when I captained in 2009 and we were fielding teams of 12 or 13 players.

“To have a chance to captain again, it’s a big opportunity and I am counting my blessings.”

Meanwhile, Graham Bulmer has been selected as Wetherby Crusaders’ captain.