Much has been made of the competition captain Chris Robshaw faces for his place in the England squad following the exit of head coach Stuart Lancaster.

But the 29-year-old, who signed a new contract at Harlequins this week, got a reminder of how he needs to be at his best on the domestic front too this week.

Rising star JacK Clifford, who lifted the U20s World Cup with England in 2013, has been named captain for his club's European Challenge Cup trip to Cardiff Blues on Thursday.

The Australian-born 22-year-old will start at number seven - Robshaw's position at international level - with fellow youngster James Chisholm on the blindside and old stager Nick Easter at number eight.

Director of rugby Conor O'Shea insisted last week the squads for the club's opening foray into Europe this term had been decided weeks ago and says Robshaw remains his number one.

"Chris is everything you want in a rugby player and everything that you would want as a person. He has achieved incredible things in his career to date," he said.

"Chris is an exceptional ambassador and role model for the sport and deserves recognition for what he has done, and will continue to do, for this game. I'd like to thank him for his selfless dedication, humility and resilience."

Robshaw, who has made over 200 appearances since graduating from the club's academy system, penned a new deal on Tuesday.

The openside was at the helm for the Premiership title success of 2012, when Leicester were beaten 30-23 in the Twickenham final, and contributed a try in a man-of-the-match performance.

A two-time Premiership player of the year, Robshaw also lifted the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2011.

"I'm honoured to have re-signed with Harlequins, a team I've supported my whole life," Robshaw said.

He added: "I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the club and I'm extremely excited to keep pushing for silverware with both Harlequins and England.

"I would like to thank all of the supporters for their continued support and look forward to being with this great club in the years to come."

Only Will Carling has led England on more occasions, but Robshaw, who has 43 caps, has enjoyed a less prestigious international career than his fellow Harlequin.

There have been notable scalps including New Zealand, Australia, Wales and Ireland, but he has failed to lift any meaningful silverware, culminating in the hosts' inability to qualify for the knockout stage of the recent World Cup.

Harlequins opened their campaign with a 41-18 hammering of French side Montpellier that featured tries for Luke Wallace, Easter, Clifford, Danny Care, Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Robshaw.