Rugby Union: Captain Dallaglio Regains His Pride

Lawrence Dallaglio's career came full circle yesterday when he was restored as England's captain in succession to Martin Johnson for his country's opening game of the Six Nations Championship against Italy on February 15.

It has taken almost five years for the 31-year-old Dallaglio to regain the job he lost following tabloid drug allegations in May 1999 that forced him to stand down and cost him a total of £25,000 in fines and costs. Now he is back where he once belonged and will derive immense pleasure from leading England in Rome.

Sir Clive Woodward, who named a 43-man training squad yesterday featuring his entire World Cup-winning party save the retired Johnson and the France-based Dan Luger, was choosing from half a dozen impressive contenders but insisted Dallaglio had been the outstanding candidate for the opening game.

"Many players have proven to me they could do the job but in my opinion Lawrence is the stand-out choice for Italy," said Woodward. "I'm really pleased for him and I am confident he will be excellent in the role." The head coach also emphasised, however, that the appointment would be made on a match-by-match basis.

Even if it does turn out to be for a mere 80 minutes, Dallaglio will relish this opportunity. He led England on 14 occasions before the News of the World intervened and could not hide his intense pride yesterday.

"It is a huge honour and privilege, and Martin has certainly set a high standard," said Dallaglio, now in line to win his 66th cap. "He is a world-class player and a great loss to England, but I respect his decision to retire. All teams move on and evolve, and England are no exception.

"I want to continue to work closely with Clive and the coaches and take England to the next level. But we are under no illusions. As world champions it will be a huge challenge to achieve that goal but it's one I know we all share."

In theory Dallaglio is now also the front runner for the role of Lions captain to New Zealand next year.

Wasps' director of rugby Warren Gatland is among those who believe Woodward has made the correct call.

"It's come as no surprise to me that Lawrence has been named England captain," Gatland said last night. "He is a natural leader and a worthy man to lead England into this post-World Cup period."

Between now and selecting his 22 for Rome, however, Woodward still has some awkward decisions to make. Five players are already ruled out - the centres Mike Tindall and Stuart Abbott, fly-half Charlie Hodgson, prop Julian White and flanker Lewis Moody - and Jonny Wilkinson's fitness will be assessed at England's two-day get-together in Bagshot next week.

As expected, Woodward has named a squadron of potential fly-halves including Bath's Olly Barkley. Among those who have made the squad are the uncapped Sale back-rower Chris Jones. Though there is no place for Luger, the Perpignan wing has been reassured "he is in no way out of the picture" and "will be seriously considered for the future".

Woodward must wait until April, however, to learn if the Premiership clubs are willing to sign a four-year agreement covering future England player release dates outside Test match weeks.