Chris Robshaw admits he’s ready to fight for his place back in the England side after he was rested for the summer trip to Argentina.
Robshaw has captained England to back-to-back second-place finishes in the RBS 6 Nations, as well as their historic victory over New Zealand during last year’s autumn internationals.
He was overlooked for the British & Irish Lions squad however and the flanker was among a number of senior England players rested for the South America tour.
In his absence, Matt Kvesic excelled in a back row that also featured tour captain Tom Wood but Robshaw is more than happy to prove he warrants his place again.
“I have never taken anything for granted. Form is everything,” he told the Telegraph.
“Everyone has to earn their place, and that includes the captain. You could never lead a side with any authority if your team-mates didn’t think you deserved your place in the side first and foremost as a player.
“You need to be right on top of your game to be successful and you are always looking at ways to improve. There is real competition for places in England now and that’s how you want it. I intend to fight for that shirt just like everyone else.
“I did want to tour as I never want to give up a chance to play for England. In hindsight, though, it was good that there were people like Stuart and [Harlequins director of rugby] Conor O’Shea to see the bigger picture. I feel rejuvenated, mentally as much as anything. It’s all systems go.”
