Juan de Jongh will captain Western Province in this year's Currie Cup with Pat Cilliers the vice-captain.

The 26-year-old takes over the squad captaincy from Deon Fourie, who is now playing in France, and will lead his province in the absence of national skipper Jean de Villiers.

'First and foremost, Juan is a true Western Province rugby man, he knows the culture of the union and what it stands for and he will lead by example,' said WP coach Allister Coetzee. 'Despite being just 26, Juan is a very experienced and respected member of our squad and that will allow him to get the best out of everyone around him.

De Jongh made his WP debut in 2009 and has played 39 matches in the blue and white hoops. He played his first Super Rugby match in 2010 and has made 69 appearances for the Stormers.

'It’s a huge honour for me and a challenge I am relishing,' he said. 'I have some pretty big shoes to fill if you think about who has captained Western Province before me, but I’m excited about the challenge and I hope to be able to make a difference and add to the legacy of this great union.'

WP will get their Currie Cup campaign underway against the EP Kings in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix