Michael Farrer says it’s an "honour and privilege" to be the new captain of Canterbury Hockey Club.

The 26-year-old succeeds Matt Harper, who stepped down after four years in the job, and will lead the side out in their opening Men’s Conference East game of the season at City of Peterborough on Sunday.

Farrer said: "I took over when Matt was injured last year but it’s a great honour and a real privilege to be made captain."

Canterbury’s bid for an immediate return to the Premier Division, after relegation last season, has been boosted by the return of former Great Britain and England marksman David Mathews and goalkeeper Diccon Stubbings from Holcombe, while midfielders Nathaniel Joy and Matthew Bowen are two new recruits.

Stubbings’ return offsets the loss of Jason Waitt and Ben Cowling through work commitments while Ben Hare and Andy Richardson have moved away for education.

Canterbury ladies kick-off their campaign with the visit of Reading at Polo Farm on Saturday (11.45am).

Canterbury finished second in the National Premier Division standings last year – a place above the Berkshire side – but lost out to the eventual champions in the play-offs.

Susannah Townsend and Nat Seymour are unavailable after England’s European Championship campaign while Susie Rowe is on cricket duty and Jen Wilson is a long-term absentee with a back injury.

The ladies have been boosted by the arrival of two Great Britain youngsters. Striker Charlotte Craddock arrives from Cannock and Clifton defender Dilly Newton has also joined.