George in ‘unfortunate situation’ with England

England hooker Jamie George admits that his current spot in the pecking order behind captain Dylan Hartley is an “unfortunate situation”.

George broke the record for the most Test appearances without a start by any player when he made his 17th outing off the bench in England’s defeat to Ireland.

The successful Saracens hooker has been talked about as a British and Irish Lion ahead of England captain Hartley, who has led the side to 18 wins and one defeat in his time in charge.

And while Hartley is showing no signs of being shifted as England’s starter for now, George is thinking long-term with England and aims to be a starter by the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“I would love to start,” George told The Times.

“It was my old man who actually told me about the record. My mum said, ‘At least you’ll be remembered for something’.

“I’m not resigned to it, but it is what it is and I’m very appreciative to play. Dylan’s [Hartley] doing a brilliant job as captain and it’s an unfortunate situation to be behind him.

“Eddie’s [Jones] said starting is achievable. That gives me something to hold on to. He often speaks about the 2019 World Cup and being the number one team. I want to be peaking there.

“I’ll be 28 heading into that tournament and I hope to be pushing to start.”