After being unveiled as England captain on Monday, former Millfield School student Chris Robshaw always had the talent to make it to the very top of the sport, according to director of rugby John Mallett.

Although Mallett's path with Robshaw did not directly cross at the Street school – he joined in 2004, a year after Robshaw left – many of Millfield's coaching staff had already earmarked him for success.

"It's a shame that I didn't get to work with him personally as from what I have heard he was superb during his time here" said Mallett.

"A lot of the staff who worked with him are still here and there is a great deal of excitement and pride in his achievement.

"Although it's difficult to say a certain player will go on to captain England at a young age, I know he always had a lot of potential and could go as far as he liked in the game.

"He was the captain at Millfield and he always had a tremendous attitude, work-rate and drive to succeed."

Flanker Robshaw was something of a surprise appointment to succeed Lewis Moody as national skipper, with interim coach Stuart Lancaster handing him the armband for the Six Nations after just one cap – won against Argentina in 2009.

The 25-year-old was not selected as part of the 30-man squad for last year's World Cup in New Zealand but he has since shown England what they missed in that tournament, leading Harlequins to the top of the Aviva Premiership table.

"It's going to be a big step up for Chris but he has shown that he has the ability with what he has achieved at Quins," said Mallett.

"He is a great leader but he won't go out there shouting at people and telling them what to do. He will just get on the pitch and lead by example.

"He's a great role model and I know all the players at Millfield want to be the next Chris Robshaw."