Richmond’s new captain Will Warden promises to leave no stone unturned in the hunt for success on the eve of their National League One campaign.


The 24-year-old will lead his men out tomorrow at the Athletic Ground for the curtain raiser against Wharfedale (3pm) with a glowing endorsement from head coach Steve Hill still ringing in his ears.


Warden, who has skippered Loughborough University and the England Students, was handed the captaincy last week.

He said: “It is a real honour to be made captain. As a team we are really excited about playing in National League One and the challenge of facing new opponents.


“As captain I am driving for excellence at all costs and that means leaving no stone unturned. You have to make sure that every piece of the puzzle fits and I’m not talking about just the 15 guys on the pitch, but the guys on the bench as well.


“I don’t expect those on the bench to just act as cover when they come on, they should be making an impact to change the game.


“Being captain is all about being able to rise above the match and look at the bigger picture.”


Richmond were promoted from National League Two South as runners-up, and will be an unknown quantity to many of the teams they face this term.


Warden said: “I am a believer in respect. Some of the teams will be looking at us as the new boys and will want to show us what life is all about in this league. But I want us to gain the respect of those opponents and to do that you have to earn it on the pitch.”


On his new skipper, Hill said: “Will was voted players’ player of the year, which shows the high regard with which he is held by his peers.


“He leads by example, is a tough trainer and physically he gets in good shape.”


Hill is without flanker Gary Bansor (rib) and Charlie Lenygon (hamstring) for tomorrow’s match.


Richmond’s friendly with London Scottish ended in a 29-14 win for Scottish.