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Neil Briggs has spoken of his pride at taking the captain's armband at Sale - and hopes he can perform well enough in the role to earn a place in the full England squad.
Briggs was last week named Sharks skipper as a replacement for the injured James Gaskell, and led the team for the first time in Friday's Aviva Premiership victory at Leeds.
The 25-year-old hooker is delighted to have been given the job until the end of the season, and having already played for England Saxons, Briggs wants his promotion at club level to pave the way for a step up on the international front as well.
"I'm very proud," said Briggs. "I came from Rotherham into the academy and have spent five good years here. It meant a lot running out in front of the boys and giving it a bit of a chat before the match.
"I love Sale Sharks and it has a really good family feel around here. It is a great club to be at with a great bunch of boys - I couldn't ask for anything more really.
"Of course, I'd love to play for my country. That's what everyone wants to do, since they were a young boy.
"One of the biggest achievements I have had was running out for the Saxons and playing for them.
"That has gone down in the scrap book with the pictures for my mum at home, and I would love to play for England.
"At the moment I have to focus on playing for Sale, playing well and playing every week because there are plenty of guys ready to take my space.
"First and foremost, that is what I need to do, but come the end of the season, if I have given England a good enough reason, hopefully that will come."
