TOM Rees is a hot favourite to be the next captain of England – now the man himself has thrown his hat into the ring by saying he’d love the job.

Rees, who learned his trade playing for High Wycombe RGS, said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact I’d like to do it.

“As honours go captaining your country is the highest. There are leaders and followers in life and I put myself in the former category. I don’t want to be sat back waiting for someone else to take control.”

Rees has already captained Wasps and England at U21 level, but is still just 24 with 15 international caps to his name.

Wasps and England team-mate Simon Shaw insists age is not an issue.

He said: “I don’t think there’s ever an issue with picking a younger guy. Some people want to be captain, others are prepared to slog it out and do their job. Every team has to have the two.

“Tom is very sensible and has a lot of respect from his peers. He is very positive on the pitch, always talking and geeing people up.

“He knows the game and so there’s absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t be a contender. I think he’d be a really good choice.”

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan agreed: “I see Tom as a future England captain. The first thing you need is the respect of your peers and he has that. He’s committed, he’s mature and he’s got a really good attitude.

“He is a good communicator and leads by example.”

Steve Borthwick currently has the armband, and England boss Martin Johnson says he does not intend to make a change just yet.

Rees said: “The biggest thing about captaincy and leadership is knowing what the guys around you need.

“There are some who need head banging and others who need to be left alone save for a look which says, ‘I expect something of you’.”