• England v Wales

Borthwick issues role model reminder

Scrum.com
February 5, 2010
England captain Steve Borthwick smiles as he talks to the media at the team's training base © Getty Images
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England captain Steve Borthwick has issued a reminder to his team-mates that they have a responsibility to act as role models.

Speaking in the wake of his football counterpart John Terry's fall from grace following allegations about his private life, Borthwick explained the importance placed within the England rugby squad on setting the right example to the next generation.

"After games and open training sessions, you see guys like Jonny Wilkinson and all the players signing autographs for hundreds of kids," said Borthwick. "All the players have a responsibility. They all understand they are helping other young rugby players come through. If you are not captain you still have that responsibility."

The Saracens lock will lead England for a 17th consecutive international in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Wales at Twickenham. Only Will Carling, with an unbroken run of 44 Tests, has done it more often. And Borthwick does not believe the standards demanded of a captain should be any different to those responsibilities placed on the shoulder of any international player.

"Captaining England is a great privilege for me. When Johnno [Martin Johnson] asked me to captain the side it was a great honour. I am the same whether I am captain of the team or not. I bring my hard work, intensity, attention to detail and leadership.

"You seem to think that because I have captain after my name I have got to act differently or be different around the group. Johnno has asked me to captain the side because of what I do. It would be a dangerous path for me to change because I have got captain after my name.

"We are developing a leadership group of some stature when you think of Lewis Moody, Jonny Wilkinson, Mark Cueto, Simon Shaw. The success of any side needs a strong leadership group."

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