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London - Chris Robshaw was re-appointed as England captain on Monday for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.
The Harlequins skipper was widely expected to retain the role after leading England to second place in last season's tournament and then, during the end of year internationals, captaining the side in their record-breaking 38-21 win over world champions New Zealand at Twickenham in December.
Now the 26-year-old openside flanker is set to lead England out in their Six Nations opener at home to old rivals Scotland on February 2.
"Chris stepped into the role 12 months ago, when we were building a new team, and he has grown as a leader on and off the field," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster in a Rugby Football Union (RFU) statement after confirming Robshaw would retain the captaincy.
"He showed those leadership qualities during the end of year internationals, and especially against the All Blacks when the whole squad got behind him.
"We have a number of leaders and I know they will all take this team forwards with Chris as we look to kick on from that result."
Robshaw, who led Harlequins to the English Premiership title last season, added: "Stuart told me this (Monday) afternoon and I am really pleased to be asked again.
"There are other leaders in the squad that Stuart could have turned to so I am really honoured.
"The lads have been great over the last year and now our focus is on building on the New Zealand performance and getting a result against Scotland."
Meanwhile Freddie Burns was assessed Monday by the England medics in consultation with Gloucester following the knee injury the flyhalf sustained playing for his club in the second-tier European Challenge Cup on Saturday.
The RFU said Burns would stay with England at their training camp in Leeds, northern England, and that his knee will be scanned over the next few days to establish the full extent of the problem.
