England flanker Chris Robshaw insists he will be fighting hard for a place in the starting line-up when the Eddie Jones era gets underway at the 2016 RBS 6 Nations in February.
Robshaw captained England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup where they became the first host nation to exit at the group stages – Australia and Wales qualifying from Pool A in their stead.
That disappointment cost head coach Stuart Lancaster his job with former Australia and Japan coach Jones pegged to replace him.
The future of the England captaincy is unclear for the time being as Jones assesses the squad at his disposal but Robshaw is adamant he is far more concerned with keeping his place in the starting XV come the Red Rose’s opening RBS 6 Nations fixture against Scotland on February 6.
“I’m not sure what will happen with the captaincy, that’s down to Eddie. If Eddie continues with me as captain I’d be hugely honoured,” said Robshaw.
“If he decides to go to someone else then I’d respect that decision and fully back the person who comes in.
“As a player you want to be part of that team and my mentality is to first and foremost make sure I’m part of that team.
“That has to be the focus, to make sure I’m playing. Yes the World Cup didn’t go according to plan, but it’s still a very exciting group of players that England have.
“I was hugely disappointed [by the World Cup performance] initially – it’s one of those things that will stay with you.
“I had a lull when I was a little annoyed with things, but now I’m back in a good place.”
Click here for the full 2016 RBS 6 Nations fixture list
