Sunday 6 December 2015 23:04, UK
Chris Robshaw wants to stay on as England captain despite the barrage of criticism that has come his way after a disappointing World Cup, according to Harlequins team-mate Danny Care.
Robshaw was expected to sit down with new England head coach Eddie Jones after Quins' 38-7 drubbing of London Irish to discuss his international future.
Jones had been critical of Robshaw in a newspaper column prior to England's World Cup defeat to Australia, calling him "a six-and-a-half at best" in reference to his ability to play openside flanker.
But Care has been impressed by Robshaw's post-World Cup performances for Harlequins and believes there is a strong case for the 29-year-old to continue as England skipper.
"Of course Chris still wants to do the job. It's a huge honour to play for your country once, to captain it must be an unbelievable feeling," he said.
"I'm sure he is dying to stay in the role and we'll have to see what Eddie wants to say and what stamp he wants to put on the team, but there aren't many others I'd pick ahead of Chris.
"It's nice that Eddie watched us when we played well and got the win - for Chris especially because all this stuff gets written about him. Chris was brilliant and it shows his character that he has taken all that stick but then puts in a performance like that. He was exceptional.
"He has had stick from day one when he was given the job. He has every man and his dog throwing his opinion, saying he shouldn't be captain. For me, he's a great England captain and it's tough to see him take the stick that he does.
"But he gets on with it, works hard and tries to prove people wrong. Hopefully he's doing that at the moment. He has bounced back brilliantly from the World Cup. He has been through some tough times but is the second most capped captain for England. He has done a great job."
Meanwhile, Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea has revealed he turned down an approach from Italy as a potential replacement for head coach Jacques Brunel, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
"It's flattering, but no, I'm not going anywhere. My job is here. It's really nice to be mentioned like that, a massive honour, but my job is here and I want to make sure we continue it," O'Shea said
"Italy have been on and talked to me, but that's natural. That happens in every walk of life, that people ask questions. It's very flattering, but my job is here, full stop."
