Perth - Wallabies backrower Ben McCalman and hooker Heath Tessman have been named co-captains of the Force for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
The pair take over from Matt Hodgson, who announced in October that he would stay with the Force next year but was resigning the captaincy.
McCalman's appointment was expected but Tessman's promotion is a surprise as he may struggle to command a starting place next season after the Force's signing of Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Coach Dave Wessels said Tessman's leadership qualities could not be ignored. He said McCalman "will be our on-field tactical or strategic captain and Heath is our off-field standards captain.
Heath's in charge of the environment and (McCalman) is in charge of the rugby."