This afternoon, during the match against Scotland, England players are donning black armbands in honour of Captain Jamie George’s mother, Jane, who sadly passed away last week.
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Jamie George, the 33-year-old Saracens hooker, received the captaincy of the Red Rose last month, only to learn on the same day that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Her health declined rapidly, leading to her passing last Wednesday.
Despite the sorrow, George finds some comfort in knowing that his mother, whom he described as “the biggest rugby fan on earth,” witnessed her son lead his country in two matches during the Guinness Six Nations, against Wales and Italy.
He said: “The deterioration she had was really fast. I found out on Sunday about the fact that she was terminal, and she passed away on Wednesday (last week).
“My mum was the biggest rugby fan on earth, she loved this team, loved watching me play, she never missed a game.
“The text I’ve got from her before my first game as captain is something I will treasure forever. She said it was the proudest day of her life so given what she was going through, to still be able to put a smile on her face was huge.”
At Murrayfield, the England skipper also has a new tattoo in tribute. to his Mum.
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WARREN GATLAND’S LIONS XV:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
A stalwart of Welsh rugby, Halfpenny’s precision on the field was matched only by his reliability under the high ball. His defensive prowess and lethal boot made him a formidable opponent, earning him accolades as one of the finest full-backs in the world.
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Bowe’s lightning pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Renowned for his work ethic and versatility, he brought a blend of skill and determination to every game, leaving an indelible mark on Irish rugby history.
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
Davies’ midfield mastery and astute game reading elevated him to the pinnacle of Welsh rugby. A linchpin in both attack and defence, his ability to break lines and create opportunities made him a vital asset in any team’s arsenal.
Gatland wrote: “This was the most difficult selection for many obvious reasons. I know a lot of people will ask why I did not select Brian O’Driscoll here. If you were to pick a Lions team that included the tours when he was at his best, 2001 and 2005, then he would come into that calculation because he was an unbelievable player.
“But when I was head coach in 2013, his best days were behind him whereas Jonathan Davies was in his prime. He played in the series-winning Test in 2013 and went on to become player of the series on the 2017 tour against the world champions New Zealand.”
12. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Roberts’ brute force and tactical acumen made him a force to be reckoned with in midfield. Combining power with finesse, he consistently punched holes in opposition defences, earning accolades as one of Wales’ most formidable centres
11. George North (Wales)
North’s sheer athleticism and devastating speed made him a game-changer on the wing. Blessed with remarkable footwork and raw power, he left defenders grasping at thin air as he tore through opposition lines, cementing his status as a Welsh rugby icon.
Gatland wrote: “Wales were blessed with some fantastic athletes in the backline during my time and George was another one with explosive power and brilliant footwork which made him difficult to deal with, particularly at his best between 2011 to 2013. His physicality was important in negating the power of Israel Folau against Australia in 2013.”