And the Head Coach this afternoon announced Robshaw's appointment for the games against Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium.

Lancaster said: "Chris has been outstanding on and off the field and we are delighted that he will captain the team for what will be an immense challenge in the QBE Internationals.

"We have a strong leadership group in this squad and I know that Chris will be well supported by them in the weeks ahead.

"It was important to wait until after last weekend's Aviva Premiership matches to check on everyone's form and fitness and not interrupt the players preparations. I have had the chance now to have a 1:1 catch-up with each player and we are really pleased to announce Chris as captain."

Robshaw said: "It's a real honour to be asked again. I enjoyed being captain in the Six Nations and in South Africa and this is a great group of players who really want to be successful.

"We are lucky to have some good leaders in the squad who I know I can work well with and count on their support. We have a huge opportunity to put a marker down over the next few weeks and just from training this morning you can see how keen the boys are to play."