Andy Farrell has described his Saracens colleague Steve Borthwick as “the obvious candidate” to captain England in their autumn Tests.
Farrell will assist Saracens in their quest to reach the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals tomorrow.
Borthwick, meanwhile, is preparing with England for an autumn Test opener against the Pacific Islands tomorrow week – and Farrell believes new red rose boss Martin Johnson has got the appointment spot on.
Farrell said: “It’s fantastic news that Steve has been named as England captain, both for him and Saracens.
“To be honest, it didn’t come as a surprise.
“Those of us who have been fortunate to work closely with him over the past few months would have made him the obvious candidate, and I believe he is the right man to take England forward.
“He has opened everyone’s eyes in terms of the preparation he puts into games and the attention to detail. He has made Saracens a better club, and I am sure he will do the same with England.”