Kelly Brown will captain Scotland in the Autumn Test against New Zealand, the head coach Andy Robinson has confirmed.

The 30-year-old Saracens back-row forward succeeds the Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford, and will lead the team out on the occasion of his 50th cap against the world champions on 11 November.

Brown was in line for the role before a broken ankle forced him to miss this year's ill-fated Six Nations and the successful summer tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa as Ford led the side throughout.

Now the former Glasgow Warriors player, who can play No8 or blindside flanker, will become Scotland's fifth captain in two years.

Robinson said: "Kelly Brown is an inspirational person. He has an aura, confidence and belief about him and a firm understanding of the game.

"He has been a very consistent performer for Scotland. It's because of these qualities that he has been appointed Scotland captain."