9:35am Thursday 22nd July 2010
Harlequins back row Chris Robshaw has been rewarded for his efforts with England this summer by being handed the skipper's armband for his club this season.
The 24-year-old flanker was named Guinness Premiership player of the season in 2009 and backed that up with a place on this summer's senior England tour to the southern hemisphere - where he captained the mid-week team.
Robshaw takes over from Will Skinner - who has led the side for the last three seasons - and admits he is proud to lead the team having only graduated from the academy to make his first team debut in 2007.
"It is a real honour to be a part of such a great club, let alone lead it," he said.
"There is a wonderful buzz within the squad that runs right the way through, from the academy boys to the first team players, and I am really looking forward to kicking off the season.
"We have a great coaching team here at Quins who will continue to support me in my new role."
Director of rugby Conor O'Shea, added: "Not only does Chris have the full respect of the coaches and players at Quins, but he also has that throughout the Aviva Premiership.
"I have no doubt Chris will captain the side in his own style and, if all players follow Chris’s attitude in the way he trains and plays the game, then I am sure we can really move forward as a group.
“I would like to thank Will for his outstanding three years of captaincy.
"He will be an integral part of the senior leadership group within the squad.”
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