Robert Howley will again lead Wales when they tour South Africa and Zimbabwe next month. The Lions and Cardiff scrum-half was not an automatic choice after captaining his country in their disappointing Five Nations campaign.
Coach Kevin Bowring's departure clouded the captaincy issue and new caretaker coach Dennis John said he would need time to consider the options for such an important job.
However, John confirmed: "He has got the job because we believe he is a good leader.
"We made the decision on Friday night and told Rob on Saturday. With Garin Jenkins as vice-captain, we have another player who, like Rob, is well respected. We feel they can do a great job for Welsh rugby."
Howley admitted it had been a difficult two weeks for him after Bowring left and the appointment of a new coaching team under John.
"I talked to Dennis about the captaincy and I told him I was happy to carry on if I had the respect of both him and his assistant Lyn Howells," he said.
"I'm delighted to be chosen. It will be my first tour as captain and I'll be going back to South Africa after the mishap with my shoulder on the Lions tour last year."
