It was the very start of an England career that, on Sunday afternoon, will reach a special milestone which underscores the value of patience and resilience to Jamie George. The front rower will raise his bat against Italy as he wins cap No 100, in doing so becoming the first male English hooker to compile a century as the heart and soul of his side.
But George had to wait his turn. His 18 appearances off the bench to begin his time in Test rugby remain a national record, a player long tipped for the top forced to bide his time as Dylan Hartley led England’s rebirth under Eddie Jones. “When I reflect on my journey so far, it’s not been straightforward. It’s been challenging, difficult, frustrating and I’ve not got opportunities when I felt I was ready to.
