FORMER Irish international Dylan O'Grady has been named as Fylde's new first team skipper.

O'Grady, 31, joined Fylde in the 1998/99 season, making 92 appearances, scoring 24 tries and 120 points. He stood in as captain on several occasions last season.

He replaces Matt Filipo, who has had to stand down as he will be unavailable for regular first team rugby this season.

First team manager, Steve Rigby, said: "Dylan has great playing experience, and at the highest level. He is an influential figure on the pitch and has good leadership skills. We're all delighted that he has agreed to undertake this role".

He also paid tribute to former skipper, Filipo: "Matt has done a brilliant job over the past three seasons since re-joining the Club from Bridgend.

"He was the first overseas player to captain the Club and has done so with great pride and skill in a difficult period. We're really pleased that he's still playing at the Club, despite growing business commitments."

Fylde host Nottingham in the Powergen Cup on Saturday after a disappointing 17-16 league defeat at the hands of Tynedale at the weekend.