Borthwick 'honoured and privileged' to be given captaincy nod
Steve Borthwick has revealed he is 'honoured and privileged' to have been named the first captain of Martin Johnson's new era at the helm of the England team. Bath lock Borthwick, 28, was yesterday handed the job for next month's two-Test tour of New Zealand, after World Cup captain Phil Vickery was ruled out by a knee injury.
Borthwick will be stepping into the shoes of Johnson, who led the England side to World Cup glory in 2003, although the incoming team manager will not go on tour as his pregnant wife, Kay, is due to give birth during the trip.
And Borthwick, whose Bath side face Wasps in the Guinness Premiership semi-finals on Sunday, insists the tour will be a massive challenge.
"Every player aims to represent their country and to be selected in a squad to go to New Zealand is fantastic. It is also a huge honour to be selected as captain," said the second-row, who will join Saracens at the end of the season.
"I have enjoyed being captain of Bath for the past three seasons, so to be offered this opportunity for England I see it as a great privilege. It feels great - I am tremendously honoured."
"The two tests in New Zealand do indeed pose a formidable challenge, as New Zealand are an incredibly strong team.
"We are in for two very difficult tests and we know that we all have to be at the top of our game to come away with two good results. However, every player will be looking forward to that challenge."
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