England skipper Robshaw extends Harlequins stay

England captain Chris Robshaw has signed a new contract with Harlequins, the English Premiership side announced on Tuesday.

The deal keeps the 29-year-old at Harlequins, the only club he has represented in his professional career after coming through the London side's youth system.

Back-row forward Robshaw, who has made over 200 first-team appearances for Quins, who play their home games at the Twickenham Stoop.

"I'm honoured to have re-signed with Harlequins, a team I've supported my whole life," Robshaw, man-of-the-match when Harlequins beat Leicester 30-23 in the 2012 Premiership final at nearby Twickenham, said.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the club and I'm extremely excited to keep pushing for silverware with both Harlequins and England," he added.

"I would like to thank all of the supporters for their continued support and look forward to being with this great club in the years to come."

Only Will Carling has led England on more occasions, but Robshaw, who has 43 caps, has not enjoyed the same success at Test level as his fellow Harlequin.

Robshaw has been in charge when England have enjoyed notable victories, including a defeat of world champions New Zealand, but has yet to feature in a title-winning Red Rose side of any kind.

His England fortunes have been inextricably linked to those of former coach Stuart Lancaster.

It was Lancaster who made Robshaw his England captain when he took charge of the national side in 2012.

But throughout Robshaw's England career he has faced criticism he is not a natural openside flanker in an age where turnover specialists at the breakdown have become ever more important.

Robshaw's decision-making has also come under fire, notably during the recent World Cup where he opted to score a late try off a penalty rather than go for an equalising kick at goal in a 28-25 defeat by Wales at Twickenham.

Last week saw Lancaster, whose side were well beaten 33-13 by eventual finalists Australia after the Wales defeat, pay the price for England's failure to get out of group phase -- the worst performance by a World Cup host nation -- by stepping down as head coach.

That has led to speculation as to whether Robshaw will both remain as England captain, and indeed keep his place in the side, when the Rugby Football Union eventually appoint a successor to Lancaster.

However, he has always received strong support from his club and Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea said Tuesday: "Chris is everything you want in a rugby player and everything that you would want as a person. He has achieved incredible things in his career to date."

Former Ireland full-back O'Shea added: "Chris is an exceptional ambassador and role model for the sport and deserves recognition for what he has done, and will continue to do, for this game.

"I'd like to thank him for his selfless dedication, humility and resilience."
Source: AFP