Scrum half Danny Care is set to follow in the footsteps of a host of Harlequins legends when he returns from England duty.

The 28-year-old has been confirmed as the club's captain for the forthcoming Premiership campaign, taking over from prop Joe Marler at the helm.

Care, whose role will be filled by fly half Nick Evans when he is on international duty, has made more than 180 appearances for Quins and scored more than 50 tries.

But he admits he will be drawing on the experience of those before him when it comes to leading the club he has called home since 2006.  

“I was incredibly proud and honoured when Conor asked me to lead the club," he said.

"Since I moved to Quins nine years ago it has felt like home to me and I want to repay that by doing the captaincy role justice, like so many other great captains who have done the job before me.

“It will be great to have the experience of other leaders like Chris [Robshaw], Joe [Marler], Nick Easter and Nick Evans as well as Mike [Brown] around me, who have all been at the club for so long.

"I know they will make my job a lot easier and support me in the role both on and off the field.”

Harlequins director of rugby Conor O’Shea added: “We are lucky to have a number of players who are natural leaders, but in Danny we have a player who, to me, epitomises how we play and what we are known for as a team.

“In making him captain we are making a statement as to how we intend to play and challenge for the title again.

"I have watched Danny grow from a boy to a man, learning lessons along the way and he is now ready to take all that learning and apply it in a leadership role.

“Danny will have the support of everyone, and in Nick Evans, a player who will lead the club whilst he is away.

"I have no doubt this responsibility will add hugely to Danny as a player and he will look to, and have, the support of all the leaders we have developed within our squad over the years.”