Robshaw named Quins captain

Chris Robshaw has been appointed as the new Harlequins captain.

Robshaw, 24, led England's midweek team twice on their recent tour of Australia and New Zealand and his leadership was praised by Martin Johnson.

"Chris has been with Quins all his career and not only does he have the full respect of the coaches and players, but he also has that throughout the Aviva Premiership, both on and off the pitch," said Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea.

"I have no doubt Chris will captain the side in his own style and, if all players follow Chris' attitude in the way he trains and plays the game, then I am sure we can really move forward as a group."

Robshaw made his Test debut against Argentina in the summer of 2009 after being voted as the Premiership's player of the year.

This summer, the Redhill-born flanker captained England against the Australian Barbarians and the New Zealand Maori but did not make Johnson's 32-man elite squad.

Robshaw added: "It is a real honour to be a part of such a great club, let alone lead it. 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, and the introduction of Conor O'Shea, as director of rugby, has installed a real belief in the squad."

Will Skinner has captained Harlequins for the last three seasons, and O'Shea insisted the open-side flanker still has a key role to play at the club.

"I am sure Chris will be looking for support and advice from Will over the coming season. Skinns will be an integral part of the senior leadership group within the squad," said O'Shea.