The Spaniard skippered Europe to a 9-7 victory in the inaugural edition of the matchplay team event this year. The Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok will again host the match between the cream of European and Asian golf between January 12-14.

"We made history with the inaugural Royal Trophy. It was a very special tournament and I am confident it will grow into one of the world's great sporting competitions," he said.

"Representing the European people is a great responsibility and I accept it with great pride," added Ballesteros, who is a five-times major winner and the victorious 1997 Ryder Cup captain.

The Asian captain will be named at a later date.