CHRIS ROBSHAW WAS officially replaced as England captain by Dylan Hartley yesterday, and his position for his country has changed too.
New England head coach Eddie Jones believes the changes will greatly benefit the Harlequins man and help turn him from the country’s under fire openside to ‘the best number six in Europe’.
Jones – who took over from Stuart Lancaster following the dismal World Cup campaign on home soil – feels that a Robshaw free of the burden of captaincy will develop into one of the finest back rows around.
“Chris was disappointed, but I think the next part of his career is going to be the best part of his career,” Jones said.
I think he’ll feel a little bit unburdened and he’ll get out and play some good rugby. He’s been doing that for Harlequins and I think he’ll do that for England.
“I’m hopeful that by the end of the Six Nations, he’s the best number six in Europe.
“I think he’s done really well. He’s easily the best six in England. He’s got a high work-rate and reminds me of Richard Hill.
“He’s a similar sort of player to Hill. He never gets too many wraps, but does the hard work and that’s the sort of player he can develop as and be world-class.”
