Phil Dowson captains England for match against the Barbarians - Rugby News Update
The 30-year-old Phil Dowson has been named the captain of the England Rugby team. The Northampton Saints flanker will captain the English side against the brutal Barbarians.
Dowson will take over the captaincy from Test skipper Chris Robshaw, who will be leading Harlequins against Leicester in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham the day before.
England international, Ben Morgan, who was picked in place of the former Newcastle star during the season of the RBS 6 Nations, is now recovering from a hamstring injury, so now Dowson will get to start against the star studded barbarians’ side.
Dowson, after being on the bench for the tournament in the RBS 6 Nations, Showed immense fortitude and the manner in how he dealt with being dropped from the team impressed the coaches.
“Phil is one of the key members of our leadership group. He coped with the disappointment very well. That is the mark of Phil Dowson.”
“He took it on the chin and we all saw the rise of Ben Morgan towards the end of the 6 Nations so it wasn't easy for him. But he never stopped giving his experience to the younger guys and giving to the group.”
Dowson’s leadership during the RBS 6 Nations tournament gave encouragement to England to defy all odds and to finish almost on the top in the championship.
The back-row forward has been chosen over his teammate, Dylan Heartley, who is now available to face the Barbarians. Heartley after losing his temper and biting the Ireland flanker, Stephen Ferris, was serving an eight match ban.
England forward coach, Graham Rowntree, believes Hartley will be a future captain for the English side, but for now just wanted the Northampton hooker to concentrate on his game.
"The fact he has been out for eight weeks, I want Dylan to focus on playing, to focus on his game and not be saddled with captaincy issues."
Stuart Lancaster the coach of England national rugby team will name their squad for Sunday’s match in the coming days, but since Quins and Leicester players will not be available for selection, there could be a number of newcomers featuring in the upcoming
five-match tour of South Africa.
Tags: