NEW London Irish captain Luke Narraway has warned his teammates not to underestimate visitors Doncaster Knights when they begin their Greene King IPA Championship campaign at Madejski Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

The former England international was named skipper by director of rugby Nick Kennedy yesterday, and Narraway is desperate to make a winning start.

He said: “Doncaster had a fantastic season last time out and will be looking to mount a serious challenge once again.

“The Championship will be an extremely competitive league and we will need to be fully prepared for every game week in week out.”

Narraway, 32, takes over the captaincy from George Skivington, who called time on his playing career at the end of last season.

He signed a one-year contract extension in April, having made 47 appearances for Exiles since joining the club from Perpignan in 2014. Club legends Topsy Ojo and David Paice – who have both spent more than a decade with Irish – have both been named vice captains.

Narraway reflected: “It is a huge honour to have been named London Irish captain.

“This is a club steeped in history and tradition and to be following in the footsteps of many legendary captains down the years, fills me with immense pride.”

Kennedy added: “Luke captained the club on a number of occasions last season in the absence of George.

“He always led by example both on and off the field with his work rate and passion, and I’m delighted that he has accepted the captaincy for this season.

“I’m sure he will have the full support of the rest of the squad including vice captains Topsy [Ojo] and David [Paice] whose experience will be invaluable having made more than 500 appearances between them.”

Kennedy is also urging his players to be focused on Saturday, adding: “We’ve got so much respect for Doncaster as they are a very strong side and it will be a very tough game for us, but it’s a fresh and exciting new challenge.”