The Englishman said he had enjoyed his two years as skipper but is determined to have just as much of an impact without wearing the captain’s armband.

This season promises to be full of excitement across the UAE Premiership and West Asia Premiership, with the likes of former New Zealand and England dual code star Henry Paul taking over at Dubai neighbours Jebel Ali Dragons.

Canes themselves have just announced a partnership with Super Rugby behemoths the Hurricanes, and Perry is predicting Knight will lead the club to success.

“Two years was an enjoyable shift,” Perry said of relinquishing the captaincy. “There was a lot of administration behind the scenes and work is getting busier so I thought now was the time to hand it in. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I’m honored to have done it, but I think Knighty will enjoy it and take it up a level.”

Perry was part of Apollo Perelini’s UAE side that made history during May’s Asia Rugby Championship, earning promotion to Division I and winning successive games for the first time in the country’s history.

As well as exciting times for his club, Perry admits he also hopes to be back on next season’s ARC tour.

“I will still be playing with the goal of having a big season [with Canes] and finishing well on hopefully another UAE tour,” he added.