Clermont Auvergne have chosen Damien Chouly as their new captain for next season after Aurelien Rougerie opted to pass on the responsibility, the club announced today.

Chouly, 28, who has 21 caps for France, was given the role by new head coach Franck Azema, who replaced New Zealander Vern Cotter, now the Scotland coach.

"Damien is a serious guy in every aspect," Azema told reporters.

"If I now want to see him in this role, it's because his behaviour has always been exemplary, whether with his club or with France.

"He's always shown his desire to be at the team's service and is impregnated into the culture of this club."

Rougerie, who was one of three Clermont players injured in a machete attack earlier this month, had decided to stand down from the position at the end of last season.