Joe El Abd has made over 100 appearances for Bristol (Getty)

Bristol have named flanker Joe El Abd as their new club captain.

The 28-year-old replaces Matt Salter, who decided to step down after four years in the role.

El Abd joined Bristol from Caerphilly in 2003, and he beat off competition from Shaun Perry, Mark Regan and Roy Winters to land the role.

Coach Richard Hill said: "I was in the fortunate position of being able to choose from a number of senior professionals at the club."

Interview: Bristol captain Joe El Abd

He added: "But I believe that Joe is absolutely the right man for the job."

Bristol's new skipper says he is thrilled to be given the captaincy.

He said: "It's a tremendous honour and I didn't hesitate when Richard Hill approached me.

"Matt Salter is going to be a really tough act to follow - he will go down as a Bristol legend in the future.

"I can't wait now for the season to start and hopefully skippering us to a successful season."