COACHES at Warlingham Rugby Club have expressed their pride at the news that former minis player Chris Robshaw could become the new England captain.

The Harlequins flanker, who started his career at Hamsey Green, has been widely tipped to be named the England captain for the Six Nations opener against Scotland.

This is due to the leading candidate Tom Wood's absence through injury and despite Robshaw, 25, only having one cap to his name.

But the head coach of the U7s at Warlingham, Simon Phillips, said it would be a massive thing for the club and its youngsters.

"You can't really equate it," he said.

"For us as a club, to have had a potential England captain starting his rugby career with us, it is great and we are all very excited.

"It shows the children that you can do it."

Phillips' view was echoed by the current coach of Warlingham's U17s, Chris Dibble, who said Robshaw - a former Guinness Premiership player of the season - was someone the current crop of youngsters could look up to.

He said: "To know that someone playing in and potentially captaining the England side started where they did, is very exciting.

"It shows we are doing the right thing as a community rugby club because to produce a potential England captain is quite something."

Robshaw spent several years with the club growing up and attended Cumnor House School before moving to Millfield, and Phillips said he was not only a great player, but a great guy.

He said: "He puts a lot back into the community.

"He is really down to earth and a really nice guy.

"We are all very proud of him and excited at the prospect."

England's caretaker head coach, Stuart Lancaster, is expected to announce who will be captain for the Six Nations opener in the coming days.