The 28-year-old, who is also the club’s defence coach, will take on the role this Saturday when Carmarthen Quins visit Kingsey Road for the final pre-season friendly.

Kirwan joined Chinnor this summer from Gallagher Premiership side Worcester Warriors.

Having previously captained London Welsh, as well as played for Rotherham Titans, the Newcastle Falcons Academy product brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Kirwan is already proving to be an influential figure in the squad, but he was surprised to be told about the captaincy by director of rugby Matt Williams after Saturday’s friendly at London Scottish.

The flanker said: “It’s an honour.

“Matt told me in the huddle, so it was a little bit of a shock, but it’s something I take great pride in and something I look forward to.

“It’s a really good squad, and it’s a competitive squad.

“First of all, it’s about getting my name on the team sheet week in, week out.

“It’s also about improving the club as a whole, with things that I think I can bring on the rugby side and away from the pitch to follow the aspirations of the club.”

Williams said: “Carl stood up in pre-season and made the appointment easy.

“He is a natural leader of men and backs it up on the field too.”