Gareth Thomas has been named as the new Wales captain, replacing Colin Charvis in the role. Wales coach Mike Ruddock held a series of interviews, with Charvis being asked to become vice-captain.
Thomas, Wales' record try scorer who plays his club rugby for Toulouse, will begin his tenure in the autumn Tests.
"I am delighted to accept the honour of the captaincy and hope I can repay the faith that Mike and the management team have in me," Thomas said.
"I am over the moon, absolutely thrilled to bits. It's always been my ambition to be captain of Wales."
Thomas has played 77 times for his country and scored 34 tries, beating Ieuan Evans' record with a try against Italy at the end of last season's Six Nations.
The former Bridgend, Cardiff and Celtic Warrior back has led Wales on one occasion before, in the World Cup warm-up match last summer against Ireland.
 |  Gareth is the first name on the team sheet and he has proven tactical ability |
Thomas' reign as permanent skipper will begin when Wales tackle South Africa in Cardiff on 6 November.
"I believe we've got an incredibly strong squad and now it's time to get down to business starting with South Africa," Thomas added.
"I'm looking forward to working with the whole of the management team and coaching staff on taking the Wales team forward.
"I'll be looking for help and advice from Mike, Scott (skills coach Johnson), Colin and the players around me as I settle into my new role.
| Colin has been a great leader for the squad and I only hope that I can touch on some of the qualities he has brought to the job |
"Hopefully I'll be getting a lot of help and advice from Colin in particular, he's a great bloke and a great player.
"Colin has been a great leader for the squad and I only hope that I can touch on some of the qualities he has brought to the job over the past seasons.
"It is reassuring to think he will be there to back me up and I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead. "
Ruddock expects Thomas to hold the position for the next two years, the duration of Ruddock's contract as Wales coach with the Welsh Rugby Union.
"Gareth is the first name on the team sheet, he has proven tactical ability, and has also led the side before at international level," Ruddock said.
"He is a mature and complete player and someone who has the full respect of the management team, his peers and the international rugby public.
"It has become increasingly evident that the job of Wales captain is a highly prized and highly sought after role, we had a number of outstanding options."
Charvis will maintain a leadership role within the squad, but Ruddock believes this is the best way to get the maximum out of his attributes as a player.
"Gareth and Colin are two truly world-class players," Ruddock added.
"Colin is a highly valued and respected player and hopefully this new role will free him up from off-the-field duties to do what he does best - play international rugby at the very highest of standards."
MMIX
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