Stuart Lancaster insists Chris Robshaw is able to cope with the pressure of captaining England and Harlequins.
The flanker, who keeps the skipper’s armband for the Six Nations having been appointed a year ago, admits he finds the dual role demanding.
But head coach Lancaster is adamant that, having captained the nation to a remarkable 38-21 win over world champions New Zealand in England’s last game, Robshaw is the right man to continue in the role.
He said: “Chris was given a break right after the November internationals and he is being managed incredibly well by Quins.
“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, 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.”
After being appointed England captain, Robshaw led Quins to second place in the championship and then to the Premiership title.
This term, Quins top the table and have qualified for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. Robshaw has played in 15 games and has been on the pitch for all but 53 of a possible 1,200 minutes.
He said: “The media is the toughest aspect of being captain and it escalates with England — I have had good and bad times. I’m really pleased to be asked again.”
Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns is a major doubt for the Six Nations due to a knee injury. He will have a scan and remain with the squad until he gets the results.
