Six Nations: Chris Robshaw will remain England captain, confirms Stuart Lancaster

It will be the third successive Six Nations the Harlequins flanker has been at the helm for

Chris Robshaw (GETTY IMAGES)

Chris Robshaw has been reappointed as England captain for this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

The Rugby Football Union confirmed Harlequins flanker Robshaw's role in a statement on Friday.

It will be his third Six Nations campaign at the helm, with England facing a tough opener against France in Paris on February 1.

Robshaw has led England in 19 of their last 22 Tests, only missing a 2012 appointment with South Africa due to injury and then being rested for last summer's Argentina tour.

He captained his country in head coach Stuart Lancaster's first game at the helm against Scotland two years ago, while he also led Quins to the 2012 Aviva Premiership title.

Robshaw's scalps as England skipper include Twickenham victories over world champions New Zealand and Australia.

"Stuart rang me yesterday and, as with every time he has asked me, it is a great privilege," Robshaw said of his reappointment.

"To lead your country is a massive honour, but I am fortunate to have a group of players and leaders who support me in that.

"We want to kick on from the QBE Internationals (in November), and we can't wait for the challenge ahead, starting with a tough away match against France."

And Lancaster added: "Chris is in the team on merit as a player first and foremost, but he has also shown himself to be an outstanding leader for Harlequins and England.

"He led us well during the QBE Internationals, and I have no doubt that, as he goes into his third RBS 6 Nations as captain, he will do likewise."

Robshaw is among a 35-man group that will assemble at England's Surrey training base next Monday ahead of the Six Nations campaign and following this weekend's busy programme of Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup games.

The squad includes a number of exciting young players, headlined by Bath backs George Ford and Anthony Watson, Northampton centre Luther Burrell, Exeter wing Jack Nowell and Sale Sharks prop Henry Thomas.

Three injured players - Northampton back Ben Foden, Saints prop Alex Corbisiero and London Irish wing Marland Yarde - will also attend the training camp for assessment and treatment by England's medical team as part of their ongoing recovery.

After facing France, England then travel to meet Scotland seven days later, followed by Twickenham appointments with Ireland and Wales before ending the Six Nations away to Italy on March 15.

PA