Robshaw to captain England in openers

Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw is to lead England in their opening two Six Nations matches, it was announced yesterday.

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.”