Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is to lead England in their opening two Six Nations matches, it was announced on Monday.
The 25-year-old flanker, capped just once — against Argentina in 2009 — replaces Lewis Moody after the former skipper announced his retirement from international rugby following England’s World Cup flop in New Zealand.
England interim coach Stuart Lancaster said Robshaw would lead England in the defending champions’ Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday and in their match against France in Paris the following weekend.
Robshaw, who has led Harlequins to the top of the Premiership table, was previously captain of England’s reserve Saxons side, where he worked alongside Lancaster.
“It’s a huge honour and a very proud day — hopefully one that will live in my memory for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who has helped me, especially Quins,” said Robshaw in a Rugby Football Union statement.
“There’s lots of other leaders in the group and they have been great since we met up.
“It’s not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play, whether that’s bossing scrums, line-outs, attack, defence…
“(Coaches) Stuart (Lancaster), Graham (Rowntree) and Andy (Farrell) have given us the game plan and it’s up to us to get it across to the other players to drive the standards and the squad forward in the right way.”
Lancaster added: “We have a strong leadership group and I have been very impressed with the way they have all stepped up so far.
“Chris is a key member of that group and has shown with Harlequins and when I have worked with him in the Saxons that he can lead a team tactically and passionately.
“I am delighted that he has got this chance at the highest level and I know it will be a very proud moment for him, his club, family and friends when he leads England out at Murrayfield on Saturday.” — Sapa-AFP