Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw

The Harlequins skipper is delighted to be leading England

Chris Robshaw will captain England in their first two Six Nations matches against Scotland and Italy as the tournament kicks off on Saturday.

The Harlequins skipper will captain the national side on just his second cap as Stuart Lancaster looks to put England’s World Cup woes aside with a new-look squad.

“It’s a huge honour and a very proud day,” said flanker Robshaw.

“It’s not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play - there’s lots of other leaders in the group.”

Interim coach, Lancaster, will be joined by Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell, father of young star, Owen, as they aim to move the focus away from the off-pitch antics and back onto playing quality rugby.

“Stuart, Graham and Andy have given us the gameplan 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,” said Robshaw.

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.”

The 25-year-old, who lead Harlequins to European Challenge Cup victory last year and has successfully captained his club to the top of the Aviva Premiership this season, will be looking to emulate this leadership with the men in white over the next six weeks.