France international fly-half Remi Tales has been stripped of the captaincy at 2013 Top 14 champions Castres, who have endured a disastrous start to the current campaign.
Castres beat European champions Toulon to win the French title in 2013 before losing to the same opponents back in June, after Toulon had retained their European crown.
But Castres are currently just one point above the relegation zone having lost six of their opening nine matches this season, including Saturday's humiliating 59-7 dismantling by Bordeaux-Begles.
And with Tales, 30, set to join Racing-Metro next season, Castres manager Matthias Rolland, who denied that coaches Serge Milhas and David Darricarrere's jobs are on the line, has decided to make a change.
"We're not at the stage of changing the coaches and everything that has been written (in the French press) is without foundation," said Rolland.
"We've spoken with Remi Tales some time ago, before Bordeaux.
"The transition will be made calmly, but it's true that it's difficult to accept that your captain is a player who is leaving."
Uruguay lock Rodrigo Capo Ortega will be the new captain, although Tales will likely still lead Castres at Harlequins in the European Cup on Friday night.
Source: AFP