Borthwick surprised to be captain

8:29am Friday 16th May 2008

Steve Borthwick has admitted his "surprise" at being appointed England's first captain of the Martin Johnson era.

Bath lock Borthwick has been handed leadership duties by new England boss Johnson for the two-Test New Zealand tour next month, replacing injured World Cup and RBS 6 Nations skipper Phil Vickery.

Speaking about his new England role, Borthwick said: "You never expect something like that. There are a number of quality players around and quality leaders."

He added: "I heard my name being mentioned, but it was a case of concentrating on these games we have got coming up with Bath.

"When Martin called me and asked me to captain the side, you can't expect anything like that. So, yes, it was a surprise."

Asked if he saw himself as skipper for the long haul, Borthwick added: "No, I wouldn't say that at all. To aspire to something like that is not in my make-up.

"What I aspire to is playing at a level and conducting myself at a level that has the respect of my peers. If I am seen fit to do a role like I have been for this tour, then fantastic.

"There are plenty of people with the ability to captain England and I will always support them. Really for me, it is about having the respect of my peers."

Borthwick has led England on one previous occasion - the narrow Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome earlier this season, when Vickery was a late withdrawal due to illness.

He said: "Phil has been the England captain for quite a while now, and is a magnificent captain and a fantastic player."

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