Following some of the worst ever weeks for English Rugby and the RFU, the organization will have to make changes to ensure that the reputation of English Rugby is not damaged too severely.

Traditionally, captains always seem to be back-rowers. But that rule is not compulsory as we have had the likes of front-row prop, Phil Vickery, and lock, Martin Johnson both being captain of England, with Martin Johnson lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003. Even so, I have come to the conclusion that whoever the new England captain is, he will have to be a strong player, capable of leading a national side and he needs to have an edge that will keep skill, communication and playing ability at a high level...


Harlequins’ captain, Chris Robshaw, is one of the future England stars. At the age of 25, he has appeared 92 times for his side – taking them to Amlin Cup victory in 2010. He reminds me of Lewis Moody or Tom Croft in his playing style and received his England Saxons call-up in the 2008 Churchill Cup. He featured in all three matches and won the tournament with England after beating Scotland A in the final. Unlike other contenders for the job, Robshaw holds just one England cap, meaning more experience in the England Elite side would be valuable to him.

Another potential candidate is Tom Wood. Also at the age of 25, Wood made 48 appearances for Worcester, a club he was at since academy level. Now at Northampton, Wood has made an impact both for his club and country. In 2010 he was called up to the England Six Nations squad, in the absence of injured Lewis Moody and Tom Croft. The 25-year-old played all five matches and won the tournament. Tom Wood was also named Aviva premiership Player of the Season for 2010.

Along with the appointment of a new manager, either of these two players, would provide the edge needed to captain a nation. Obviously, there are other candidates for the job but Robshaw and Wood and two that England should keep an eye on.

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