Chris Robshaw to remain England captain for rest of the Six Nations

Chris Robshaw has been confirmed as England captain for the remainder of this year's Six Nations.

The 25-year-old Harlequins flanker, originally appointed skipper for the first two matches, led England to wins in Scotland and Italy.

"Certainly for the next three games we think it's the right decision," said interim coach Stuart Lancaster.

"It was an easy choice. He's respected, he leads by example and says the right thing at the right time."

Analysis

Alastair EykynRugby union commentator

Confirmation of Robshaw's captaincy will surprise no-one. Under his leadership, England have played two, won two - both in tough conditions away from home. Stuart Lancaster is impressed with the commitment and dignity the flanker has displayed in the top job. In the continued absence of the injured Tom Wood, he remains the natural selection

England sit second in the Six Nations table, equal on points with Wales, whom they meet at Twickenham on Saturday week (25 February, 1600 GMT).

Quins skipper Robshaw had made just one England appearance before he was named as successor to Lewis Moody, who announced his retirement after the World Cup.

"We were confident in his ability, even though he had one cap, to captain at international level," added Lancaster.

"He did that well and backed it up with great performances, by topping the tackle and carry counts, in the first two games."

Robshaw admits that the England captaincy is more "intense" than his Harlequins role, but was pleased to be handed the armband for the rest of the tournament.

"I'm very honoured," he said. "It's great to have the backing of the players and the coaching team around me.

"Now it starts with going on to Wales and trying to improve our performance and get a win.

"I've been enjoying being captain. Of course, it would have been different if we had lost both our games. But there's a great feeling in the camp after two wins."

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The news comes on the final day for applications for the vacant coach's position.

Lancaster, appointed interim coach following Martin Johnson's resignation late last year, confirmed that he officially applied for the job before the Six Nations.

Meanwhile, Leicester duo Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood, and Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, who have returned to training with England this week, are among 14 players being released to play for their clubs in the Aviva Premiership this weekend.

In addition Ben Morgan will also be available to the Scarlets for their RaboDirect PRO 12 match against Leinster, while Tom Palmer has been training with Stade Francais for their Top 14 Orange game against Toulon.

Players released for club duty: Mike Brown, Joe Marler, Jordan Turner-Hall (all Harlequins), Calum Clark, Paul Doran Jones, Courtney Lawes (all Northampton), Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi, Thomas Waldrom (all Leicester), Lee Mears (Bath), Ben Morgan (Scarlets), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais), Charlie Sharples (Gloucester), Joe Simpson, Rob Webber (both Wasps), Matt Stevens (Saracens)
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