Forward Wentzel to captain Leeds

Wentzel played for the Southern Kings in the summer against the British Lions

Leeds Carnegie have named second-row Marco Wentzel as their new captain.

The South African international joined Leeds from Leicester Tigers in the summer and takes over from US international prop Mike McDonald.

"It's a great honour, it's great and I'm looking forward to it," Wentzel told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We have a great bunch of guys here and I really enjoy working with them. It will be a team effort here and everyone will have their say, not just me."

Wentzel is one of seven new players to arrive at Headingley in preparation for their return to the Premiership and has added vital experience to a relatively young squad.

"I don't think it's about just one guy and one captain, it's a team effort," explained Wentzel.

"I want to lead by example and with my experience.

"But we have a great bunch of senior players here now and it's about them having their input too.

"I've been lucky to work under some great captains. Martin Corry at Leicester was a great leader and Aaron Mauger, and back in South Africa I had some good captains.

"Everyone is different in their approach to the role and it's about whatever works for you and your team."

Meanwhile, Leeds have confirmed that props McDonald, Argentine Juan Gomes and Samoan Fosi Pal'amo, along with new Samoan back signing Henry Fa'fili, are still in their respective home countries waiting for their visas to be processed.

However the club are confident all four players will be allowed back into the UK ahead of their season opener against Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, 6 September.

Director of rugby Andy Key said: "It's slightly disappointing and I think we've been caught up in the politics regarding this issue, not just in sport but across the nation.

"We are confident they will be back in time for the season, we just don't know when exactly.

"But they are all working and training hard in their own countries so will be ready to go when they do arrive back here."

BBC Radio Leeds will have full match commentary of every Leeds Guinness Premiership game and Anglo-Welsh Cup matches, plus home European games.