Six Nations: Chris Robshaw to remain England captain for remainder of the tournament

Chris Robshaw

Chris Robshaw has been confirmed as England captain for the remainder of this year's Six Nations championship.

The 25-year-old Harlequins flanker, originally appointed skipper for the first two matches, led England to wins in Scotland and Italy.

"Certainly for the next three games we think it's the right decision," said interim coach Stuart Lancaster.

"It was an easy choice. He's respected, he leads by example and says the right thing at the right time."

England sit second in the Six Nations table, equal on points with leaders Wales, whom they meet at Twickenham on Saturday week (25 February, 1600 GMT).

Quins skipper Robshaw had made just one England appearance before he was named captain as successor to Lewis Moody, who announced his retirement after the World Cup.

"We were confident in his ability, even though he had one cap, to captain at international level," added Lancaster.

"He did that well and backed it up with great performances, by topping the tackle and carry counts in the first two games."

Robshaw admits that the England captaincy is more "intense" than his Harlequins role, but was pleased to be handed the armband for the rest of the tournament.

"I'm very honoured," he said. "It's great to have the backing of the players and the coaching team around me.

"Now it starts with going on to Wales and trying to improve our performance and get a win.

"I've been enjoying being captain. Of course, it would have been different if we had lost both our games. But there's a great feeling in the camp after two wins."

Robshaw's extended captaincy comes on the final day for applications for the vacant coach's position.

Lancaster, appointed interim coach following Martin Johnson's resignation late last year, confirmed that he officially applied for the job before the Six Nations.

Lancaster and Robshaw are well acquainted with each other's methods, having previously worked together as coach and captain with England Saxons.

And Robshaw believes their strong relationship is key to England's chances of Six Nations success.

He said: "We sit down now and then and have a little chat to see how things are going in the camp.

"If I've got an idea I like to think I can approach him and say, 'maybe this will work better' and vice versa.

"We need each other to get the best out of the team. Our relationship is vital and at the moment it's going very nicely."

Robshaw also revealed he has been taking tips from Will Carling about the captaincy.

Carling remains the country's most successful Grand Slam skipper after he was appointed, at the age of 22, as England's youngest ever captain.

Robshaw said: "Will has been giving me tips because he was in a similar boat, probably a harder boat.

"Before the Scotland game he spoke about the need to appreciate how much they dislike us.

"I will speak to him before the Wales game and he will probably say a similar thing."