Former Harpenden St George’s man Owen Farrell takes on England captaincy for trip to France in NatWest Six Nations

Neil Metcalfe

Published: 10:03 AM March 8, 2018 Updated: 3:03 PM November 1, 2020

England head coach Eddie Jones (left) and Owen Farrell during the training session at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot. Picture: ANDREW MATTHEWS/PA - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Owen Farrell will take over the captaincy as England travel to Paris on Saturday to take on France in the NatWest Six Nations.

England's Owen Farrell on his way to scoring his side's first try during the RBS Six Nations match at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh. Picture: IAN RUTHERFORD/PA - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

The former Harpenden St George’s pupil was given the nod by England head coach Eddie Jones after injury ruled out regular captain Dylan Hartley.

Hartley’s place in the front row will be taken by Welwyn Garden City-born Jamie George while the vice captaincy goes to another Saracens man, Mako Vunipola.

Jones said: “This game is about the opportunity for the team to move forward and we want a response from the players this week.

“Against France we want to be brutal and aggressive on the gain line and to play with a great tactical discipline.

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“Owen will be very proud to be captain but at the same time he is disappointed for Dylan to miss out through injury and he knows the position of captain carries a lot of responsibility.

On Vunipola, Jones added: “We need to make sure we have one strong voice among the forward leaders and Mako has been doing some great work behind the scenes and will step up and take that on officially against France.”