Captain James George of England will miss Saracens’ crucial Champions Cup match against Lyon
England’s newly-appointed captain, Jamie George, is expected to be absent from Saracens’ crucial Investec Champions Cup match against Lyon, as confirmed by the club’s director of rugby, Mark McCall. The hooker received a neck injection recently but is anticipated to be ready for the upcoming England training camp in Girona next week. Earlier this week, England head coach Steve Borthwick named George as the successor to Owen Farrell.
Jamie George, recently appointed as England captain, is expected to miss the crucial Investec Champions Cup clash between Saracens and Lyon. England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, selected George as the successor to Owen Farrell in the 36-player training squad for the upcoming Six Nations. Although the 33-year-old is set to be fit for the England training camp in Girona next week, he won’t participate in the Saracens vs. Lyon match on January 20.
Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall, assured that George’s absence is not a cause for concern. George had received a neck injection 10 days prior and has been training non-contact with the team this week. He is expected to resume full-contact training next week during the England camp. Saracens are aiming to reverse their Champions Cup fortunes after a challenging start to the tournament, currently ranking fifth in their pool with one win and two losses, including a recent record defeat against Bordeaux.
McCall expressed support for Borthwick’s decision to appoint George as the England captain, believing he will excel in the role. He also highlighted George’s anticipated influence at Saracens as the club undergoes a “new dawn.” With players like Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola expected to leave, McCall acknowledged the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter with a group of promising younger players.
Despite George’s absence, McCall expressed confidence in Saracens’ ability to secure a crucial victory against Lyon this weekend. He acknowledged challenges in the team’s performance but emphasized the need to focus on delivering their best in the upcoming matches.