Arno Botha will captain the Blue Bulls in this year's Currie Cup tournament.

The loose foward captained the Junior Springboks at the Junior World Championship. He has 46 Super Rugby caps and 24 Currie Cup caps for the Bulls.

Botha will alternate the captaincy with Nic de Jager and when both are off the field, Hanro Liebenberg, also a former Junior Springbok captain, will take over the reins.

'We are very fortunate to have a strong leadership core,' said Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais. 'Arno does have the edge when it comes to experience and he is very well respected among the squad. It is also very important for me to have my captain as a starting certainty, so Arno ticks all the boxes. He is one of the best in the country and I can expect good things from the team with him in charge.'

Botha said the Bulls captaincy was a big honour.

'I grew up being a Blue Bulls fan and always admired the quality of leadership in this team. I have also played with some great captains, so hope to bring justice to the position. If you lead from the front, half of the challenge is done, so I am keen to see how this added responsibility improves my game.'

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images