Genia appointed Reds captain

Brisbane - Wallabies halfback Will Genia will take over from James Horwill as captain of the Reds Super 14 rugby team, the youngest player to lead a Queensland state side since 21-year-old Mark Loane 35 years ago.

The Reds have lost Wallabies lock Horwill to a season-ending knee injury suffered in Friday's match against the Canterbury Crusaders and Genia, 22, was surprised to be asked to take his place.

Horwill was also 22 when he took over the Reds captaincy two years ago but Genia, an 11-test veteran who was previously his vice-captain, is 10 months younger.