MEMBERS of Farnham Rugby Club were beaming with pride on Monday, after the most famous product of their mini and junior teams, Jonny Wilkinson, was named as captain of England.
"I am absolutely delighted for him and I'm sure the club will be very proud as well," said club spokesman John Fairley, who coached Jonny as a junior.
"More than 700 of us watched him in the World Cup final and for a small Surrey club, this is absolutely marvellous.
"I think it is a very positive step for England as well, as Jonny has captained just about every side he has played in since his days at Farnham and this is just the natural progression."
Jonny, who won his first England cap in 1998, has recently resumed playing for Newcastle after 10 months sidelined with a shoulder injury. He succeeds Lawrence Dallaglio as captain for the forthcoming matches against Canada, South Africa and Australia.
His rugby odyssey began on the muddy pitches of Wrecclesham, where he played through the age groups of under 8s through to 16/17 level.
Promoted to English rugby's top playing post just four months after his 25th birthday, he has scored 817 points in 52 tests - crowned by the dramatic drop goal which gave England World Cup glory against Australia last November.
England's caretaker coach, Andy Robinson, said of him: "He is a natural leader, holds the respect of the whole squad, is a formidable talent on the pitch and consistently demonstrates the energy and commitment I feel is essential to be captain of England."