Friday 23 December 2016 05:58, UK
Chris Robshaw has revealed he was concerned for his international career after losing the England captaincy to Dylan Hartley.
The Harlequins flanker led England during their disappointing World Cup campaign in 2015 under Stuart Lancaster, when the hosts failed to progress from their group.
Robshaw reveals he had concerns over his future after new head coach Eddie Jones appointed Northampton Saints hooker Hartley as his skipper for the 2016 Six Nations.
"It was very difficult in all honesty," the 30-year-old said. "It was a very tough time. I didn't know where I stood, I didn't know what to expect.
"When I sat down with Eddie, we had a good chat and he let me know where I stood. He said if I could do what he wanted me to do then there was still a place for me in that side.
"I went about my business and luckily he gave me that opportunity to still be in there. That gave me confidence to go well for the rest of the year.
"For me now, I'm enjoying the rugby. I'm enjoying supporting Dylan and the other vice captains and playing my role for the team."
The England squad has won all 13 matches under Jones and Robshaw stresses the huge influence of the coach.
"Eddie came in when I was particularly low in confidence," the flanker added. "He gave us that confidence to go out there and express ourselves and play.
"From my perspective and the team's perspective, we feel there is more to give. We feel we are playing pretty well, but there are still aspects we can improve. There is still a long way we can jump forward.
"The majority of the squad is pretty young, so we are extremely excited about the future and can't wait to get into that Six Nations again."
After an unbeaten 2016, England - who are on a 14-match winning run - have the ability to break New Zealand's record for consecutive international victories next year.
If Jones' players win the Six Nations Grand Slam in March they will have chalked up 19 straight wins, beating the All Blacks' record of 18, but Robshaw claims he is not interested in those types of triumphs.
"We never set about winning records," the Harlequins back-rower said. "We want to win championships and series. That's the important thing, winning the important stages and being able to back it up when it counts.
"For instance, winning three games in the summer, winning four games in this series and of course winning all five in the Six Nations that's what's important to us."
An enthralling Six Nations awaits in 2017, but first Robshaw has a busy Christmas in Quins colours starting with Gloucester in Twickenham on Tuesday.
