Steve Borthwick was quick to deflect attention to his club Bath after being appointed England captain for the two-Test tour of New Zealand.

The lock (pictured), who leaves Bath for Saracens at the end of the season, is joined in the England squad by prop Matt Stevens, centre Olly Barkley, hooker Lee Mears and openside flanker Michael Lipman.

Exciting Bath full-back Nick Abendanon and giant-striding wing Matt Banahan have also been named in the England Saxons squad for the Churchill Cup in America and Canada.

"It feels great - I am tremendously honoured," said 28-year-old Borthwick.

"It is great news for Bath that five players have been selected for England and two in the Saxons squad.

"This is representative of the hard work that everybody involved in the club has put in this season."

Bath are still in with a chance of double honours this season and Borthwick stressed that the squad had to remain focused on the task in hand.

The West Country club travel to Wasps for their Premiership play-off on Sunday and then face Worcester in the final of the European Challenge Cup the following weekend.

"Whilst everyone is happy that the players have been selected, we have some important challenges ahead of us at Bath, and we are focused on the game against Wasps this Sunday," added Borthwick.

"It has been an outstanding season so far and everybody is fiercely determined to pick up the silverware. We know that this game will be a great contest and we are working very hard on our preparation, as Wasps are an excellent side."

Borthwick, who has 37 caps, was appointed England captain on Tuesday by new team manager Martin Johnson, who captained England to the World Cup in 2003 from lock.

"I have enjoyed being captain of Bath for the past three seasons, so to be offered this opportunity for England I see it as a great privilege," Borthwick added.

"Every player aims to represent their country and to be selected in a squad to go to New Zealand is fantastic. It is also a huge honour to be selected as captain."

"The two tests in New Zealand do indeed pose a formidable challenge, as New Zealand are an incredibly strong team.

"We are in for two very difficult tests and we know that we all have to be at the top of our game to come away with two good results. However, every player will be looking forward to that challenge."

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport