Robshaw 'gutted' over tour exit (From Kingston Guardian)

Quins skipper Chris Robshaw 'gutted' over tour exit for England

4:44pm Monday 18th June 2012 in Sport

Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw will put the pain of injury behind him to cheer on England in Saturday's third Test against South Africa after cracking a bone in his right thumb.

England's skipper suffered a blow in the first Test which settled down and he took a full part in training ahead of last Saturday’s 36-27 defeat at Coca Cola Park, in which the injury was aggravated.

"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," said Robshaw.

"I know the lads can raise themselves for tomorrow and Saturday and I will be doing everything I can to support them.”

Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley will captain the team in Robshaw's absence and England head coach Stuart Lancaster added: “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.”

Quins qinger Ugo Monye will get his first start of the tour when he is in the team to face SA Northern Barbarians on Tuesday.

George Robson will captain the team with fellow Quin Jordan Turner-Hall starting the centres and clubmates Karl Dickson and Joe Gray on the bench.