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England hooker George ruled out of Six Nations opener / Photo: © AFP
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England hooker George ruled out of Six Nations opener
England vice-captain Jamie George has been ruled out of the Six Nations opener against defending champions Ireland on February 1, the Rugby Football Union announced on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old hooker, who last week was replaced by Maro Itoje as captain, suffered a hamstring injury in Saracens' Champions Cup defeat by Castres on Sunday.
Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell sustained a knee problem against Munster but could yet feature against Ireland after being taken to the squad's pre-championship training camp in Spain to continue his rehabilitation.
Northampton lock Alex Coles, Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and Harlequins No 8 Alex Dombrandt have also been ruled out of the match in Dublin.
Curtis Langdon (Northampton), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Ben Spencer (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), and Raffi Quirke (Sale) have been called into the squad by England coach Steve Borthwick.
"We've had to make a few amendments these last 24 hours as every coach needs to," said Borthwick, speaking later Tuesday at the Six Nations launch in Rome.
"There's always adaptations you need to make. And I think the nature of international rugby is good adaptation."
The former England captain, who oversaw a third-place finish in last year's Six Nations added: "I think some players (now) have an opportunity they didn't think was coming their way. And I think when a player gets that, some of them grab it with both hands and don't let go."
Itoje will lead England from the kick-off for the first time in Dublin but the lock-cum-flanker deputised as skipper when his Saracens team-mate was off the field in the second half of games last year.
"I hope me having this role doesn't change how I play. I still want to be as aggressive as I can and I still want to have a high output," said Itoje, also speaking in Rome on Tuesday.
He added: "It's a huge honour. It's a massive, massive privilege. Some great players have had this role in the past for England. I hope to follow in their footsteps.
Although England had a poor year overall in 2024 they were the only side to beat the Irish, ending their hopes of back to back Grand Slams.
"England have the potential to do well and win against all the teams," said Itoje.
"We want to fulfil our potential and take a step in the right direction."
T.Martin--SFF
