Chris Robshaw has been confirmed as England captain for the remainder of the Six Nations. The 25-year-old Harlequins flanker, originally appointed skipper for the first two matches, led England to wins in Scotland and Italy.

“He is one of many leaders we could have chosen against Scotland and Italy,” said interim coach Stuart Lancaster. “But he has shown on and off the field the qualities required.”

England sit second in the Six Nations table, equal on points with Wales, whom they meet at Twickenham a week on Saturday, 25 February. Robshaw had made just one England appearance before he was named as successor to Lewis Moody, who announced his retirement after the World Cup.

“Captaining the team against Scotland was the proudest day of my life and to get the chance again against Italy was fantastic,”
Robshaw said.

“To do so at Twickenham would be something else and I’m thankful to the coaches for giving me that opportunity and to all the lads for helping me over the last few weeks.

“For now I’m just focusing on training hard and helping us get ready to play a strong Welsh team.”

The news 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 he officially applied for the job before the Six Nations.

Meanwhile, Leicester duo Manu Tuilagi and Toby Flood, and Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, who have returned to training with England this week, are among 14 players being released to play for their clubs in the Aviva Premiership this weekend.