Robshaw to lead the way for England
Interim England coach Stuart Lancaster has named inspirational Harlequins skipper Chris Robshaw as captain for their first Six Nations Test against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Robshaw has led from the front this season as Harlequins have forced their way to the top of the Prmeirship standings, and the new England skipper was quick to pay tribute to his club when he was revealed as Lewis Moody’s successor.
“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.
Robshaw said that he would lean heavily on the support of the other senior players in the England squad as they attempt to recapture the Six Nations title they won under former manager Martin Johnson last year.
He commented: “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…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, who will be desperate to show that he has what it takes to take England beyond the Six Nations, said: “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,” he added.
