Six Nations 2014: Chris Robshaw retains England captaincy

Chris Robshaw has been named as England captain for the Six Nations.

Since taking the reins for head coach Stuart Lancaster’s first game against Scotland in February 2012, the Harlequins skipper has led England in 19 of their last 22 Tests.

We can’t wait for the challenge ahead, starting with a tough away match against France

Chris Robshaw

The Quins number seven only missed the third Test in South Africa in June 2012 through injury and being rested for last summer’s series in Argentina.

And Robshaw admitted it was “great privilege” to retain the captaincy ahead of England’s opening Six Nations fixture against France in Paris on 14 February.

“Stuart rang me yesterday and, as with every time he has asked me, it is a great privilege,” Robshaw said.

“To lead your country is a massive honour but I am fortunate to have a group of players and leaders who support me in that.

“We want to kick on from the QBE Internationals and we can’t wait for the challenge ahead, starting with a tough away match against France.”

Lancaster added: “Chris is in the team on merit as a player first and foremost but he has also shown himself to be an outstanding leader for Harlequins and England.

“He led us well during the QBE Internationals and I have no doubt that, as he goes into his third Six Nations as captain, he will do likewise.”

England Six Nations squad

Forwards: David Attwood (Bath Rugby), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs),
Joe Launchbury (London Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Matt Mullan (London Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Ed Slater (Leicester Tigers), Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Backs: Chris Ashton (Saracens), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins),
Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), Owen Farrell (Saracens),
George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens).