De Kock and Hill will both take on leadership roles at Vicarage Road

Former Springbok De Kock replaces Simon Raiwalui, who has left the club to move to France, as skipper on the field.

"Neil's not someone who will scream and shout, but he's an outstanding player who leads by example," said Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney.

Meanwhile, Hill steps into the shoes of Hugh Vyvyan as club captain.

The 34-year-old is starting his 14th season with Saracens, and has nearly 300 appearances for the club under his belt.

"It's important to make sure there is a clear pathway between the players and the management and it's a role that Hugh performed very well last year - I have to continue what he started," said Hill.

I will be a very proud man leading the team out each week Neil de Kock

De Kock, who will be captain on the field of play even if Hill is also playing, said he was excited about the prospects of building on Saracens' encouraging displays of last season.

"It's a massive honour and a challenge that I intend to tackle head on," said the 28-year-old.

"I couldn't have asked more from my first season with Saracens and I've been fortunate with the way things have turned out. It did come as a bit of a surprise when Alan asked me to take on the role, but I can't wait for the season to begin.

"Saracens brought me to England over a year ago and now they have entrusted me to captain the team so I owe them a great deal which I will be looking to repay over the coming seasons.

"Simon Raiwalui did an outstanding job last season and I have a massive task to fill his boots, but it's one I am looking forward to and I will be a very proud man leading the team out each week."