Robshaw load eased by Quins
DIRECTOR of Rugby Conor O’Shea believes the decision to hand prop Joe Marler the Harlequins armband will allow England captain Chris Robshaw the freedom to scale lofty heights over the next 12 months.
Back row forward Robshaw has skippered Harlequins for the past four seasons and held the reins as the Twickenham Stoop club secured Amlin Challenge Cup glory in 2011 as well as the 2012 Premiership title.
With next year’s World Cup on the horizon, O’Shea is in no doubt the switch is a wise move given the increased demands and pressure likely to be heaped on Robshaw’s shoulders as the tournament draws near.
“Chris has a massive year ahead of him and I feel we should relieve him of some of the pressure, which will allow him to focus on being at his best for both club and country,” said O’Shea.
“We want him to be at his best for Harlequins, win trophies here and also lift the World Cup. To do so, we believe he needs to be fresh both mentally and physically.”
Marler signed a new two-year deal with Harlequins in April and will become one of the youngest captains in Premiership history at 24, despite making over 100 club appearances and having 22 England caps to his name.