Cory Hill is hoping to lead by example when he takes up the Wales captaincy duties alongside flanker Ellis Jenkins in June.
The Dragons lock will be co-skipper for Wales’ matches this summer against South Africa in Washington DC and the two-Test series in Argentina.
Hill started every game for his country in this year’s NatWest Six Nations, scoring a try against Italy as Wales went on to finish second in the standings.
Hill said: “It’s special playing for Wales and to be co-captain with Ellis is even more special.
“If I get the chance to lead the team out, it will be a special day for my family and friends.
“Since I’ve been involved, there’s been some great captains here – there’s Sam [Warburton] and Alun Wyn [Jones] but I’ve also been led out by the likes of Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau in the last NatWest Six Nations.
“They are great guys but they all lead by example as well.
“Mainly, you’ve got to do your own job and lead by example on the pitch.”
It is not yet clear how the captaincy will be shared but Hill is pleased to be sharing the honour with flanker Jenkins, who led Cardiff Blues to the European Challenge Cup this season.
Hill said: “I couldn’t think of a better guy to be doing it with.
“Ellis is a great leader and he’s been in some superb form for the Blues – it was nice to see him lift the Challenge Cup.
“We aren’t looking too far ahead, we are keeping our minds focused on the task in hand.”
Wales have just six training sessions ahead of their clash with the Springboks on June 2 and Hill is intending to hit the ground running.
That first period will be without any Scarlets players, who have the small matter of the Guinness PRO14 Grand Final to contend with this Saturday against Leinster.
But Hill is excited at the tough matches ahead on this summer tour and is looking forward to the mix of experience and new faces head coach Warren Gatland has brought to the squad.
He said: “It is going to be three tough tests – we know that – but I think we’ve got a nice balance in our squad, so we are really looking forward to it.
“Gats has said that everyone is going on tour to be a part of it. Boys aren’t just going there to hold bags.
“Some of the boys are going to be buzzing to get their first caps and others will be fighting for their jerseys.”
