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Lancaster hands Robshaw England captaincy
England's Chris Robshaw during a training session held at the University of Leeds Playing Fields, Weetwood, Leeds. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire.
Chris Robshaw was today unveiled by head coach Stuart Lancaster as England captain for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.
The 25-year-old Harlequins skipper was handed the armband for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland, despite having only been capped once by his country.
Fellow flanker Tom Wood was interim boss Lancaster’s first choice to lead his new-look England but the Northampton star will miss the start of the championship with a toe injury.
Robshaw is one of the least experienced players in international terms ever to have captained England, although they have previously been led by four uncapped players.
After being named Guinness Premiership Player of the Year three years ago, he was awarded his sole cap in that summer’s defeat to Argentina.
He also played in a loss against the Barbarians two weeks earlier but has not featured for his country since the second Test against the Pumas in 2009.
Robshaw said: “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.
“There’s a lot 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 massive roles to play, whether that’s bossing scrums, line-outs, defence...
“Stuart, Graham (Rowntree, scrum coach) and Andy (Farrell, backs coach) have given us the game plan an 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.”
Former England Saxons boss Lancaster 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.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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