RSS Sport

Ojo hails Borthwick appointment
by Mark May, 13 May 2008

Topsy Ojo

Topsy Ojo has hailed the appointment of new England captain Steve Borthwick for the tour of New Zealand.

The London Irish winger, along with four of his clubmates, was named in Martin Johnson's first England squad on Tuesday.

And the 22-year-old has hailed the appointment of Bath forward Borthwick as captain and believes he will be a great leader for the trip to face the All Blacks.

“I think he’ll be a great leader," Ojo told Setanta Sports News.

"He has been absolutely outstanding in the league this year. I think he has been at the forefront of that. I think he was a great choice and I have no doubt that he will lead the team very well in New Zealand."

Ojo also revealed how he is looking forward to working with new England boss Johnson, a man he first encountered way back when the former British Lion was doing a coaching course in his school.

He added: “I have met him before. When I was back in school he did a coaching course and I have met him a few times since then. I am looking forward to working with him. I think he was a great appointment for England and hopefully he’s the man to take them onwards and upwards.

“It should be ok [Johnson's absence from the tour], he is not due to come in until July but I think he’ll have said to the coaches coming with us what he wants to get out of the tour.

"He can watch it at home and he’ll watch the tapes and speak to the coaches when they get back so come the Autumn internationals he’ll have a clearer idea of exactly what he wants to do with the team.

"I don’t think it will do any harm. We’ll just go out there and have a go at New Zealand and see where we end up."

Print article   Email to a friend

Setanta readers' comment of the day

“I wish we didn't sell the guy. Phil is the definition of loyalty and I'm sure he'll end up with legendary status at your club as he did ours. There's not many players like that these days, and I'm glad he's playing an important part for another great side. Peace.”

Rugby Poll

Is Martin Johnson the right man to lead England?

Yes
Poll Result 46%
No
Poll Result 54%

Setanta TV-Highlights

1
Setanta Sports 1
25 Jul 12:20
Live: MLS All Stars vs. West Ham Live
25 Jul 12:00
Setanta Sports News Live

1
Setanta Golf
25 Jul 06:00
Live: Nationwide Tour Golf Live
25 Jul 08:00
Live: PGA Tour Golf Live

Get The Channels
Full TV Listings

Setantasports.com Features