Boy born to wear rugby boots
Last updated 12:26, Thursday, 06 November 2008
IT’S no surprise Steve Borthwick grew up to be England captain – rugby is in his blood.
He first picked up a ball while growing up in Carlisle, before moving to Preston with his parents Bill and Jennifer.
His family are steeped in rugby union and it was inevitable Borthwick would inherit their passion for the game.
His great-uncle Geoff Jackson, 71, is a leading light in Cumbria junior rugby and is on the Cumbria RU management committee, as well as Carlisle RUFC’s committee.
His uncles Colin Jackson and Stewart Rawes are also closely involved with Carlisle.
They’re among his biggest fans, along with his grandma Margaret Rawes, who still lives in Carlisle, and Geoff is convinced Borthwick is the man to lead England.
He said: “I think Steve will be a good captain. I get feedback from a lot of people in rugby and they tell me how respected he is.
“I was talking to someone from Saracens recently and they were telling me how much they have taken to him. For him to become joint captain of the club in his first season there says a lot about him.
“I don’t think it was a big decision by Martin Johnson to appoint him as England captain because Steve was ready-made for him.
“You could see right from an early age how good Steve was going to be – and we’re so proud of him.
“He has put in so much hard work and been so dedicated and really deserves his chance. His mum and dad backed his rugby to the hilt.
“He is very supportive to Carlisle rugby club and to his home town. He regularly supplies memorabilia to be raffled for the hospice and for local charities.”
