England's interim rugby coach Stuart Lancaster has named his new captain, with Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw getting the nod.

Robshaw will captain England in their first two Six Nations matches against Scotland on Saturday and Italy one week later.

Robshaw is also captain of Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership, but the 25-year-old will be playing only his second international match in Edinburgh.

Lancaster does not agree with suggestions this means his new-look side will lack experience.

"The counter argument to that is the players have lots of experience in big Premiership and European games," Lancaster said.

"And Chris has captained his side in a lot of big games."

The flanker will replace former captain Lewis Moody, who retired from international rugby after England's disappointing World Cup last year, and he said he was thrilled to have been chosen.

"It's a huge honour and a very proud day," Robshaw said.

"It's not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play - there's lots of other leaders in the group."

In another sign that Lancaster is serious about change, the England boss dropped London Irish back Delon Armitage from the England Saxons.

Armitage was arrested early on Sunday morning for assault after playing for England's second-string side in a 23-17 win over Ireland's B team on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has 26 England caps but will not be considered for another one while he is under police investigation.

Lancaster's decision to drop Armitage follows similar treatment of Harlequins' scrum-half Danny Care, who was arrested on New Year's Day for drink driving and has since been fined three thousand pounds and banned from driving for 16 months.

"High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment," Lancaster said.