England Captain Chris Robshaw has been ruled out of England’s final Test match against South Africa in Port Elizabeth with a broken thumb.
rugbyweek
England hooker Dylan Hartley will assume the captaincy for the rest of the tour of South Africa.
Robshaw suffered a blow in the 1st Test which settled down and he took a full part in training ahead of last Saturday’s game.
However, Robshaw took another knock in the game at Coca Cola Park at the weekend and imaging sent to England for specialist opinion has revealed the injury.
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Chris as you would imagine is devastated. He has led us superbly in the last seven internationals and been one of our standout performers. But the medical advice is that he should not play and we have to trust that expert opinion. ”
“Dylan Hartley will captain the side. He has been a key part of our leadership group and I know he will step up to the task on Saturday.”
Chris Robshaw said,”I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been very proud and honoured to lead this group during the Six Nations and on this tour and it’s a difficult way to end the season.”
“I know the lads can raise themselves for tomorrow and Saturday and I will be doing everything I can to support them.”