Borthwick is the new Martin Johnson says Saracens boss
Last updated 08:59, Friday, 05 September 2008
Cumbrian rugby star Steve Borthwick has been hailed as the new Martin Johnson.
Saracens rugby director Eddie Jones believes his Carlisle-born co-captain could be every bit as influential as Johnson was at Leicester.
Borthwick, who led England on tour in New Zealand in June, will lead out his new club at Twickenham tomorrow when they face Harlequins.
The 28-year-old lock was made co-captain alongside Andy Farrell in the summer following his arrival at Bath, where he was stripped of the captaincy in January when he announced he was leaving.
Jones said: “Why did I make Steve captain? Because he’s got a hard edge to him. He’s very much like Johnson. People say Borthwick isn’t a ball-carrier. Well, neither was Johnson but both have a winning mentality and are intelligent and have a professional attitude.
“I wanted those leadership qualities and hardness, which is what Steve will give us.
“Steve and Andy have shown throughout their careers that they are fantastic leaders, and we want that to continue with Saracens.”
Borthwick, who skippered Bath to European Challenge cup glory last season, is relishing the chance of a fresh start with Sarries.
He said: “Bath's in the past. I have some great memories but I don't want to dwell on them now.
“My whole focus is now with Saracens. What appealed to me was what Eddie Jones was trying to build at this club. He has an ambition and a vision and it was a straightforward decision to move in the end.
“I was a little surprised when Eddie called me to one side to tell me I was co-captain, but I was delighted.
“It’s not something you ever expect, but I am really looking forward to it.”
Borthwick would love to retain the England captaincy despite the ignominy of having led them on the disastrous tour of New Zealand.
England suffered to back-to-back defeats in Auckland and Christchurch in the ill-fated tour which was marred by damaging allegations about off-the-field behaviour of several of Borthwick’s team-mates.
He has been named in Martin Johnson’s 32-strong England Elite Player squad but England’s new coach is still to decide on who will lead the team.
England’s next game is not until November 8 when they host Pacific Islands, followed by three further games that month against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand
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