The blind-side flanker, who joined the club as a junior more than 20 years ago, will lead the side out for the opening half as competitive rugby returns to Old Bath Road for the first time in nearly 15 months.

And he joked: “It’s about time to get out there – and for me to be leading!

“There’s been quite a lot of trepidation as to whether it will go ahead or not, are we going to have any other setbacks (with the pandemic), but there’s also been a huge amount of excitement.

“People are looking forward to getting out there, running around, doing it for each other again and having a bit of fun.”

Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds has named two completely different starting line-ups – Rams Blue and Red – for tomorrow’s outing, with 16 players making their debut during the afternoon.

And Craig said: “There are two exciting squads with good players in both – I don’t think either is stronger than each other with a real mixed bag in both – and it’s a great opportunity for some of us older heads to prove we’re still worthwhile and the younger lads to put their own stamp on things as well.”

He continued: “It’s always an honour to be asked to be captain – I think it happens when there’s no-one else!

“But I’ve been here for a long time and it’s a real privilege. Hopefully I can help the younger lads who’ll undoubtedly outshine me on the pitch, but hopefully I can give them a nudge in the right direction.”

The game will be played under the adapted laws meaning no scrums or mauls, and Craig says fans will hopefully be in for a treat.

He stated: “It’s very interesting – the ball is in play a lot more which means we’re going to have to be quick on our feet.

“With the weather the way it’s forecast that could be interesting, but we’re going to have to be fit and work hard – if we don’t turn up we could have a few points put on us, so we’ll really need to be on the ball.”

And with Government guidance on the return of spectators confirmed on Monday, Craig paid tribute to our supporters, concluding: “It will be huge to have some fans back.

“It’s such a thrill to play in front of them and we love the fact they enjoy watching us play rugby – it’s one of the main reasons we love playing.

“This club is a family and every single person who rocks up on the side is as much a part of it as those on the pitch.”