HOOKER Scott Chapman will lead Swindon's return to Southern Counties North rugby next season.

Long-serving forward Chapman, who takes over after the two-year leadership of centre Paul Wakefield, has been handed the role by Greenbridge Road coach John Brown.

Flanker Jon Parker has been appointed vice-captain for next season's campaign when Swindon will look to establish themselves at Southern Counties level.

Chapman said: ''I am honoured to given the opportunity to lead the first team after over 10 years in the side and hope my contribution will help move the club forward in the coming seasons.''

Swindon enjoyed a purple patch under Wakefield's captaincy, reaching two successive Dorset & Wilts Vase finals and losing just one match while romping to the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division title this term.

And with Brown overseeing a five-year development plan at Greenbridge Road, the future looks rosy with a string of promising youngsters already pushing hard for senior selection.

Elsewhere, the second and third teams have also changed skippers ahead of the 2005-06 campaign.

Father-to-be Steve Elsby has stepped down as second team captain after two years in charge, hooker Darren New being voted in with lock Steve Steele as vice-captain.

And Ken Hopkins has stood down from the third team role after four years at the helm.

Stephen Carr was voted in as his replacement by the players before last Saturday's final league match of the season against Wallingford.