Former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom will skipper of the Waratahs for the 2012 Super Rugby season, taking over from retired New South wales legened Phil Waugh.

Elsom makes his return to the Waratahs this year, a team the experienced flank played with for five years before moving to Europe, and has been rewarded with the captaincy.

The 28-year-old takes over from Waugh, who has led the team for the past five years

"We have spent the past months in discussions with senior players in an effort to determine the best man for the job," said Waratahs head coach Michael Foley.

"There will never be a perfect replacement for retired skipper Phil Waugh. However, after defining the role and what it was the players expected and wanted from a captain, Rocky was the stand out candidate."

As part of the leadership team involved in the process, Benn Robinson believes the team has found the right man for the role.

"It was important for the players to have someone who represented the best interests of the team," he added.

"In Rocky we have someone who can fly the flag, as well as personify what the leadership group and ultimately the team is all about, on and off the field."

Having undergone surgery on his right hamstring last November, Elsom is on course with his rehabilitation program, and is expected to return within the first month of the season.

"Due to the nature of the modern game we will need to call on different players to captain the side during the season," Foley said.

Elsom captained the Wallabies for three years before he was replaced by James Horwill for the World Cup in New Zealand last year.

The Waratahs get their 2012 campaign underway against the Reds in Sydney on February 25.