By Duncan Wood
August 6 2002

After some debate on the messageboard, we have an answer on the subject of the Bristol captaincy. Peter Thorburn has named Ross Beattie as his captain for the 2002-3 season capping a remarkable turnaround for the number eight.

2001-2 was very nearly the season that didn't happen for Ross Beattie. Now comes the news that he has been named Bristol Shoguns captain for 2002-3.

When he arrived from Newcastle just over 12 months ago, the only concern was regarding the neck injury that had caused him to miss much of the 2000-1 season. However, Bristol had the injury checked out and were happy to shell out the required transfer fee to tempt him south.

He took part in the preseason tour of Argentina which was a bit of a bonus as the coaching staff had made no guarantees that he would feature in a playing capacity. Preseason friendly appearances against Newport and Newbury meant that everything looked good for the new season.

However, a thigh strain sidelined him for the first game at home to Sale and he then aggravated it trying to make the Quins game a week later. From then on, all we heard was that Ross was about to resume training.

This continued until mid February when he underwent surgery to remove scar tissue from the thigh. At the time, he made a point of thanking the Bristol public for their support and patience.

The playoff run enabled him to make a belated start to the season when he appeared as a late replacement against Northampton and he then played the whole second half against Gloucester at Twickenham.

Peter Thorburn has evidently seen enough to convince him that Ross is the man for the job. He plays in a decision making position and he is a player of undoubted quality.

I'm sure that this season we will see him return to international form and prove to be an inspired choice.

Good luck Ross!