England keep faith in Robshaw

He has grown as a leader on and off the field

Chris Robshaw was on Monday re-appointed England captain for the Six Nations.

The Harlequins skipper, who led England to second place in last season’s Championship, will lead the team against Scotland in the opener at Twickenham on Saturday, February 2.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who confirmed the appointment at Monday’s squad meeting, said: “Chris stepped into the role 12 months ago, when we were building a new team, and he has grown as a leader on and off the field.

“He showed those leadership qualities during the November internationals, and especially against the All Blacks when the whole squad got behind him. We have a number of leaders and I know they will all take this team forwards with Chris as we look to kick on from that result.”

Robshaw said: “Stuart told me this afternoon and I am really pleased to be asked again. There are other leaders in the squad that Stuart could have turned to so I am really honoured.

“The lads have been great over the last year and now our focus is on building on the New Zealand performance and getting a result against Scotland.”

Freddie Burns was assessed by the England medics in consultation with Gloucester on Monday following the knee injury he sustained in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The flyhalf will stay with England at their Leeds training camp and his knee will be scanned over the next few days to establish the full extent of the problem.