Jamie George is expected to be named as Owen Farrell’s replacement as England captain when Steve Borthwick unveils his new-look squad for the Six Nations on Wednesday.
George has emerged as the frontrunner in recent weeks ahead of Ellis Genge and George Ford and, with Farrell making himself unavailable and Courtney Lawes having retired, Borthwick has a void to fill. Towards the end of last year, George was said to be very close to signing for a leading Top 14 club – a move that would have put his England career on hold – but having been persuaded to stay at Saracens and become one of the first recipients of the Rugby Football Union’s hybrid contracts next season, Borthwick looks ready to promote him to the role.
