George wants to emulate England cricket ‘entertainers’ in Six Nations

Updated 29/01/2024 at 16:36 GMT

Jamie George wants to emulate the success of Ben Stokes’ England cricket team following their historic win over India on Sunday in Hyderabad. George was recently appointed England captain and will lead the team out when they kick off their Six Nations campaign on Saturday. “Something at the forefront of our mind, especially at the minute, is how we can put smiles on people’s faces,” George said.PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 27: Jamie George of England reacts during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Bronze Final match between Argentina and England at Stade de France on October 27, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele – World Rugby/World Rugby

Image credit: Eurosport

Newly-appointed England captain Jamie George wants to follow in the footsteps of Ben Stokes and the England cricket team at the upcoming Six Nations.

Ahead of England’s Six Nations campaign, which gets underway on Saturday against Italy in Rome, George says he wants to take inspiration from the cricket team and put “smiles on faces”.

“I’m not saying we are going to go all out on attack,” George told BBC Sport. “But what I am saying is Ben Stokes talks a lot about expressing themselves and the fact that they are entertainers.

“Something at the forefront of our mind, especially at the minute, is how we can put smiles on people’s faces, how we can bring Twickenham back to that fortress we want it to be.”

England have struggled of late and only managed two wins from their last five games at Twickenham, while suffering a record home defeat to France as well as a shock loss to Fiji.

Steve Borthwick led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup in France after being narrowly knocked out by eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals.

England get their Six Nations campaign underway against Italy, before returning to London for the first time since the Fiji defeat to host Wales at Twickenham.

The hooker says he is “very comfortable” in his new role, despite playing under Farrell for both club and country.

With the Rugby Football Union banning players from overseas from being selected for England, there is a chance George could be the long-term captain following Farrell’s move to Racing 92 in France.

“In terms of style, I am a people person. I care about relationships, I care about people loving their time playing for England,” George said.

“I have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride – some of the best times of my life have been playing for England, but I have had some difficult times while playing for England also.

“For me, and I said it to the boys, that was one of the first things I said, being in this environment and playing for England, should be the best time of your life, it should be the best time of your career.

“And I am very passionate about making sure people are in a position to do that.”

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