‘Like a young Jamie George’

Updated 23/03/2024 at 18:56 GMT

Theo Dan made the most of a rare starting spot as he scored two tries in Saracens’ thumping 52-7 win over Harlequins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The England international’s performance excited TNT Sports expert Lawrence Dallaglio, who said he looked like “a young Jamie George,” while Chris Ashton was pleased to see the hooker take his chance, saying Sarries “have a hell of a player”.Theo Dan of Saracens runs with the ball from Jack Walker of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Harlequins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Saracens hooker Theo Dan looks like “a young Jamie George” and could be a standout player for “the next 10 years”, according to TNT Sports experts Lawrence Dallaglio and Chris Ashton.

The 23-year-old has had to be patient and take his chances when they come, with England captain George providing competition for club and country.

But Dallaglio believes there are similarities between the pair and is excited about what the future holds for the youngster.

“The growth in this player is unbelievable,” said Dallaglio.

“He’s got one of the very best players in the world who he has been working behind.

“If you think about the great hookers who have played for Saracens over the years, he’s a different type of player.

“He almost – dare I say it – looks like a young Jamie George: picking lines, he’s really strong in the carry, and gets on the scoresheet twice with two tries. Super, super impressive, he really is.”

Ashton was struck by how Dan has grabbed his opportunities, after he was handed a starting spot for the visit of Quins.

He led the way in a rampant performance from Mark McCall’s side, who crossed the whitewash eight times to make a statement as their title defence continues.

“He’s hardly had any game time really. A bit for England, coming off the bench, but to come in it seems like he’s been holding all the energy back,” Ashton said.

“To come in and start today and play the way he did, they’ve got a hell of a player on their hands for the next 10 years if he wants to be here.”

Sarries’ thumping win saw them leapfrog Quins into second place in the standings, three points behind league leaders Northampton Saints.

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