"Frustrating setback" - England forward will miss a number of weeks through injury

Rugby News
Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 16:17
rfupng
Leicester Tigers lock George Martin has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a minor knee injury.
A trie of England internationals; Martin, outside-back Anthony Watson and scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet will miss this Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Leinster.

Hybrid contracts:

Steve Borthwick, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasised the significance of England’s new captain, Jamie George, securing the first RFU hybrid contract. 
The announcement came as Borthwick unveiled the squad for the 2024 Six Nations, revealing that Saracens’ hooker George had committed to a groundbreaking two-year contract with both Saracens and the RFU, marking the initiation of a novel hybrid contract system.
England has witnessed the departure of key players like Henry Arundell, Joe Marchant, and David Ribbans to French clubs post the Rugby World Cup, rendering them ineligible under the current selection criteria.
Speculation has also surrounded the potential move of former England captain Owen Farrell to Racing 92 in Paris.
Borthwick acknowledged that George had been presented with various options to leave England, making the 33-year-old's decision to sign the hybrid contract "a big statement" and "a really important step." This move is seen as an effort to prevent the drain of top talent to overseas clubs.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the potential signing of hybrid contracts by other players, with 25 individuals identified as likely candidates based on the current rugby landscape.
Get your tickets to the 2024 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace

25 players to likely receive central contracts:

Front-row: 5

1. Ellis Genge
2. Dan Cole
3. Jamie George
4. Theo Dan
5. Will Stuart
6. Joe Marler

Second-row: 3

1. Maro Itoje
2. Ollie Chessum
3. George Martin

Back-row: 5

1. Tom Curry
2. Ben Earl
3. Sam Underhill
4. Alex Dombrandt
5. Tom Pearson

Halfbacks: 5

1. Fin Smith
2. George Ford
3. Marcus Smith
4. Jack van Poortvliet
5. Alex Mitchell

Centres: 3

1. Ollie Lawrence
2. Fraser Dingwall
3. Henry Slade

Back-three: 3

1. Freddie Steward
2. Tommy Freeman
3. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Get your tickets to the 2024 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace

QUIZ: Can you name England’s Grand Slam winning XV from 2016?

Back in 2016, England clinched a Six Nations Grand Slam with a triumphant 31-21 victory over France at the Stade de France in Paris.
This historic win, the team's first Grand Slam in 13 years under Eddie Jones' leadership, marked a significant milestone.
Now, lace up your virtual boots and see if you can recall the rest of the XV from the final match of the Six Nations.
We've already revealed Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell's names to give you a head start on this virtual rugby challenge.
We use Kwizly for our quizzes – find
loading

Loading