England: Jamie George an injury doubt ahead of Six Nations opener
Jamie George limped off the pitch in his side's loss to Castres.
Former England captain Jamie George is now a major injury doubt for the Six Nations after picking up a knock in Saracens’ shock 32-24 defeat to Castres last night.
George was named England skipper ahead of last year’s Championship, but has been replaced by clubmate Maro Itoje.
‘Jamie has hurt his hamstring’
The hooker, 34, came off the bench to replace fellow Six Nations squad member Theo Dan after 55 minutes in their surprise loss at the StoneX Stadium, but he seemed to pick up a lower leg injury and left the field of play in the closing exchanges.
“Jamie has injured his hamstring,” Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall told reporters after the game. “We’re not sure how serious it is at the moment though.”
Castres claimed their first European away win for 12 years against Saracens last night thanks to a brace from Adrien Seguret and other scores from Feibyan Tukino and Theo Chabouni.
The bonus-point win for the French side propelled them into second place in pool three, confirming a home tie against Benetton in the last 16.
Possible hooker options for the Six Nations
Steve Borthwick will now be sweating over the fitness of his hooker, who had started all 12 of England’s Tests in 2024, ahead of their Six Nations opener against Ireland in two weeks’ time.
If George was to be unavailable for the clash in Dublin, it would present clubmate Dan with a huge opportunity to nail down the starting hooker role.
The 24-year-old has started just three of his 20 Tests in an England jersey to date, but made a serious impression against Argentina in the World Cup when drafted into the number two jersey.
Another potential option for Borthwick would be Sale Sharks man Luke Cowan-Dickie, who is back firing after tough battles with neck and arm issues.
The former Exeter Chiefs star impressed off the bench during the November Tests, but has more starting experience than Dan with 11 to his name for England and two for the British and Irish Lions.
It now also opens up the chance for the likes of Curtis Langdon or Gabriel Oghre to be drafted into the squad should Borthwick need a long-term replacement in his squad.
England begin their campaign at the Aviva Stadium against defending champions Ireland, before facing France at home in round two.
