Lawrence Dallaglio thinks that Owen Farrell should play a leadership role for England, but not as the captain for the 2023 Six Nations.
He suggests that new head coach Steve Borthwick should place Farrell at fly-half and instead name Ellis Genge as the new captain.
Borthwick will reveal his first England squad on Monday, and Farrell will be eligible to play in the first Six Nations match against Scotland on February 4th, following his suspension.
“Owen Farrell is a brilliant, brilliant rugby player and it’s in the blood,” Dallaglio told Standard Sport.
“He’ll go down as one of the greatest of all time. But I think we need to unlock his footballing ability and his potential in a way we haven’t seen enough in an England jersey.
“So I would go with either Ellis Genge or Maro Itoje as captain – but probably Genge at this moment in time. I think Genge brings England a point of difference, I think he’s a very straight talker.
“I’d still expect Farrell to be the spiritual leader, the talisman and the guy that’s driving the team. And when the team are in a huddle I’d still expect him to be driving the team forward.
“But I just think England have to do something different to almost announce themselves; it’s a real opportunity.
“Owen Farrell is a world-class player, and of course he’s a brilliant leader and a brilliant captain,” said Dallaglio. “But I just think the best situation for me is if the captaincy is taken on by one of the forwards.
“That’s nothing to do with Owen Farrell’s ability as captain: the majority of penalties and free-kicks are given away in and around the breakdown and the scrum.
“Therefore, the relationship with the referee and the game management, the referee’s game management and your game management as a team, is just so much easier if the captain is up front.
“Steve might stick with Owen Farrell which will be absolutely fine because he’s been doing it for a long, long time. But if you give it to a forward you’re not losing anything, because Farrell will still be Farrell the captain, Farrell the world-class player.
“He’s not about to suddenly not be like that just because he’s not captain. I wouldn’t want him to change his role in any way, still be that spiritual leader, that dominant player.”
Martin Johnson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Captain In History
Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take the responsibility.
A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.
Over the years of following the game, we’ve seen captains come and go. Some are successful, others less so, and only a few leave a lasting legacy.
In international rugby, over the past many years, there have been several iconic captains. These players created a legacy at their respective clubs and have a legendary status in them.
With that in mind, who was the greatest rugby captain of all time? 1,000 RUCK readers have been ranking our selection of captains with England legend Martin Johnson being ranked the best of all-time.
The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:
- A great player
- Inspire confidence in their team
- Takes responsibility
- Lead by example
- Great sportsmanship
- Tactical knowhow
- Excellent communicator
- Emotional discipline
Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20
20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France)
19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
18. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
17. John Dawes (Wales)
16. Will Carling (England)