AXEL Kalling-Smith will become the first Rams player to captain his country after being named Sweden skipper for their upcoming Rugby Europe Trophy matches.

The dynamic runner, equally capable at centre or on the wing, will lead his side in Lithuania on Saturday, with the Swedes then due to host Ukraine on April 6.

They currently sit fourth in the table having beaten Czechia (48-37) and Croatia (22-20) while losing 23-12 at unbeaten leaders Switzerland.

It has been a productive campaign so far for Axel, who has three tries in as many games with the opener against Czechia and a brace in the Croatia triumph.

He has also crossed the whitewash six times in 20 appearances for Rams, taking his overall tally to 19 in 48 as he closes on a possible half-century of caps before the end of the season.

Reflecting on being handed the armband, Axel said: ““It’s such a privilege to represent your country let alone captain it. I’m honoured to lead the national team in the upcoming matches.”