Forward Lake joins fellow Wales captain Jac Morgan in moving to Gloucester ahead of the new campaign, marking their first appearances playing in the Prem.

Former Gloucester captain Lewis Ludlow – who held the role for five years as the club’s longest-serving skipper – spoke last month about losing the armband to Williams last summer, describing it as “brutal” and that he would take it back if offered.

Head coach George Skivington said that the decision was taken to wait until the team had spent a few weeks together before naming Williams’ replacement.

Opinion was sought from other coaches as well as players, who were canvassed on who they wanted to represent them as a leadership group.

Skivington said Lake stood out as a “clear leader”.

“Dewi’s a great player firstly but he’s also just a really strong character,” Skivington said.

“It’s quiet clear he’s a leader – if you spend a bit of time around him that’s been said numerous times by staff and players.

“He’s a straight guy, he’s not going to mess around with his words, you’re going to know what he’s asking of you and what he expects.

“He’s come into the building, he’s trained really hard, he’s spoken when the timing’s right and he’s just one of those guys you’re going to follow.”