In the absence of injured back-row forward Kelly Brown, Scotland head coach has named Ross Ford as captain for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
Edinburgh hooker Ford started all four of Scotland’s matches at last year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and has become a crucial part of the international setup since making his debut against Australia in 2004.
Indeed, the 27 year-old has now won 53 caps as well as being involved in the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.
Speaking yesterday, Robinson heaped praise on Ford before revealing that his original choice was Brown, who suffered a dislocated knee during Saracens’ Heineken Cup clash against Treviso at the weekend.
"This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time," he explained. "I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.
"That said, I'm really disappointed for Kelly Brown. I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap."
Looking ahead to Scotland’s opening fixture of the 2012 campaign, against the Auld Enemy England at Murrayfield, Ford himself seemed determined to hit the ground running in his new role.
"It's a massive honour and privilege to captain your country," he said. "I'm really grateful to be given this chance to captain a team of so much potential.
"For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words.
"First and foremost is 'do it', do it for everybody to see, and that's the way I'll be looking to lead the team against England."
