DANNY Barnes will stay at Chinnor for another season, but has stepped down as captain.

The centre, who will enter a fourth year at Kingsey Road, skippered the Thame-based side to promotion from the fourth tier in 2017/18 and to tenth in their debut campaign in National League 1 last season.

But after a successful 24 months leading the team, Barnes felt the time was right for someone else to take on the responsibility.

He said: “Having captained the boys for two seasons, gaining promotion and retaining our league status in National 1, it seems the perfect moment for me to hand the baton on.

“This year I want to focus completely on rugby, work hard and do my talking on the field.”

Director of rugby Matt Williams added: “Danny has done a marvellous job working alongside myself as captain of the team.

“I’m delighted he is staying with us and respect and understand his reasoning’s for handing back the captaincy.

“I think we may see a real spark in him this season with the drive to be as influential on the field as he has been off it.”

Full-back Kieran Goss also re-signed for Chinnor last week.

He and Barnes are approaching triple figures in appearances for the club and reaching that landmark is a goal for both players this season.

Goss said: “I’ve been at Chinnor for a long time now and I’m determined to get my 100th cap.

“I’m excited to be part of this crazy squad and to see what we can achieve by pushing each other.”

Williams added: “To have two of our most senior boys within touching distance of 100 games adds to a special season.”

“I know they will both play a big part in the success of the season both on and off the field.”