England's next captain has been leaked by The Telegraph, fans are split on Borthwick's pick - Ruck

England’s next captain has been leaked by The Telegraph, fans are split on Borthwick’s pick

In an exclusive report by The Telegraph, it’s been confirmed that Jamie George, the Saracens hooker with 89 caps for England, will be unveiled as the new captain for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.

The decision, set to be officially disclosed by head coach Steve Borthwick tomorrow, follows the voluntary withdrawal of Owen Farrell, George’s Saracens teammate, from England duty for personal reasons.

This development aligns with previous insights from RUCK in December, confirming George’s assumption of the captaincy role for the 2024 Six Nations.

One fan wrote: “Jamie George screams transitional captain.”

Another said: “Jamie George definitely deserving of being the skipper, great to see Cowan-Dickie back, Feyi Waboso inclusion is great – surely has to be given a chance in Rome. Interested to see who from the Saints will be included & @Sladey_10 being back in the team is huge, he’s been great”

William Hill – Rugby Union – Specials

England Six Nations Captain:

Jamie George1/2
Ellis Genge6/4
George Ford5/2
Maro Itoje8/1
Marcus Smith16/1
Alex Mitchell16/1
Ben Earl16/1
Ollie Chessum20/1
Sam Underhill25/1
Manu Tuilagi25/1
Alex Dombrandt25/1
Elliot Daly33/1
Freddie Steward33/1
Ollie Lawrence33/1

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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)

Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.

“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.

“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”

Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.

“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.

“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”

Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.

“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”

Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)

Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.

“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”

Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)

Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.

“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.

“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”

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