Rugby hospitality news: Steve Borthwick retains England captaincy

26/01/2010

Steve Borthwick has retained the captaincy ahead of the England v Wales 6 Nations clash.

The veteran Saracens lock has captained England in every game since Martin Johnson was named as coach and will keep the honour going into the tournament, which gets underway on February 6th.

Johnson's move comes despite the fact that in the former Bath player's 14 games as England skipper, the team have won just six times.

His spell with the armband includes the disappointing 2009 November international series, in which England were beaten at Twickenham by Australia and New Zealand and needed a late Matt Banahan try to overcome Argentina.

Despite this patchy form, Sarries' chief executive Edward Griffiths welcomed the retention of Borthwick, whom he described as an "absolutely outstanding character and an outstanding captain for England".

"You won't meet a more dedicated, serious, conscientious and committed rugby player," he told BBC Radio 5 Live, before adding that he is bewildered over the criticism which the lock attracts at international level.