LEICESTER vice-captain Hanro Liebenberg has revealed he is the quiet one in Tigers new nerve centre.
The back-rower was made deputy skipper to Ellis Genge by boss Steve Borthwick ahead of a preseason trip to Jersey and will be leading with actions not words.
Genge was a popular choice to take over the reins from Tom Youngs and Liebenberg will have his back this season after being a leader through the age groups.
And the young duo, the South African is 25 and Genge 26, will be leaning on the old hands like Ben and Tom Youngs plus Dan Cole this campaign.
Liebenberg said: “Ellis and I have a very good relationship, we complement each other. Ellis is a bit more fiery and outspoken at times so the balance is right.
“We have got a good leadership group, nothing has changed too much. I like to lead with my actions so I keep the talking to a minimum, with the older senior boys there is always someone giving a bit of guidance so it is an easy job to manage.
“In high school I was captain and when I was at the Bulls U19s, U20s, I was captain and I almost set out to be a leader. When I came to Leicester I did not chase the dream to be a leader it was just the way I tried to come across, to set an example, to set a standard and Steve saw it in me. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Cape Town-born Liebenberg finally got back to South Africa for the first time in two years this summer where he got engaged before enduring a nightmare quarantine on his return before hitting pre-season.
He added: “It almost felt like prison but some prisons might have been better than my hotel quarantine, it was awful. Luckily the club provided an indoor bike for me so I kept going and they sent me a few programmes to do.
“Luckily the food wasn't too great so I couldn't put on too much weight, the bike helped as well.”
By ADAM HATHERWAY
