"Out of contract" - England hooker Jamie George REJECTS huge contract offer

Lyon, currently sitting third from the bottom in the Top 14 table, is rumored to have dangled a lucrative £380,000-per-year contract in front of the 33-year-old hooker as his current deal with Saracens approaches its end this season.

The Rugby Paper suggests that George, who has been a stalwart at Saracens since 2009, inked a fresh contract at the close of last year. It's widely anticipated that he will transition into a coaching role with Saracens once he hangs up his boots.

Having kicked off his rugby journey at the Saracens Academy at the age of 14, George has earned accolades for his stellar performances at both club and international levels.

As a fixture in the Saracens and England (including Lions tours in 2017 and 2021) lineup, George's rugby roots run deep. His upbringing in a rugby-centric environment, with father Ian having played for Northampton Saints, London Welsh, and the Barbarians, adds a familial touch to his career.

George made his senior debut for Saracens in November 2009, securing a regular spot in the matchday 23 during the 2010/11 season, coinciding with the club's maiden Premiership title. Since then, his progress has been meteoric, accumulating over 250 appearances for Saracens and adding four domestic titles and three European successes to his name.

His international career with England has been equally impressive, featuring two Six Nations victories, a triumphant 3-0 series whitewash in Australia, and participation in a record-equalling win streak under Eddie Jones.

George's global impact extended to New Zealand, where he starred for the British & Irish Lions in all three tests. With over 50 caps for England, he was also selected for his second consecutive Lions tour to South Africa, taking on the reigning World Champions.

Off the pitch, George wears another hat as the co-owner of a physiotherapy practice named Carter & George, a venture he shares with lifelong friend Rhys Carter. The rugby world awaits George's decision on his future, both within the club and on the international stage.

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One player who has consistently proven himself on the field is Joe Launchbury of Harlequins.

The 32-year-old lock is renowned for his exceptional work rate, leadership qualities, and proficiency in both set-piece and open play. Launchbury's physicality and ability to disrupt opposition ball make him a valuable asset in the forward pack.

Despite some injury setbacks, Launchbury's experience and skill set make him a compelling choice for a recall, providing stability and expertise to England's second-row options.

Adam Radwan, the exciting winger from Newcastle Falcons, has been making waves with his electrifying performances. The 24-year-old possesses exceptional pace, footwork, and try-scoring prowess that can add a dynamic edge to England's backline.

Radwan's ability to create opportunities out of seemingly routine plays and his knack for finishing with clinical precision make him a compelling candidate for a Six Nations call-up. Borthwick may see Radwan as the injection of speed and flair needed to ignite England's attacking game.

fforts may have slipped under the radar in the La Defense Arena. However, there is no understating the shift contributed by the number eight, who rose to the occasion for this Champions Cup clash.

After being left out of the Rugby World Cup squad, a fire looks to have been lit under Dombrandt, with his motivation to return to the national side burning bright against Racing. Dombrandt was a workhorse in defence, and shrugged off the Parisian carpet burns with countless tackles on the artificial surface.

The back-rower's top contribution was a try on the hour mark, as he backed his pace through a gap in the defensive line. Dombrandt timed his run onto Danny Care's pass, and powered through a hole in the Racing defense, before beating a couple of back-peddling defenders to the whitewash.

The 26-year-old clattered his way over the try-line, with the score coming at an opportune time for the eventual Quins comeback. Dombrandt certainly made his mark in this match, and will be hoping for this run of form to continue as competition across the England back-row heats up ahead of the 2024 Six Nations.

Henry Slade continued on with his fine form this past weekend, and once again produced the goods when it mattered the most.

In a mirror image of Exeter's last-ditch win against Gloucester from three weeks ago, Slade stepped up to the tee to nail the match-winning kick in the closing moments. Slade has well and truly thrown his hat into the ring for a return to the England squad, after missing out on the Rugby World Cup.

The centre is a leading contender for Joe Marchant's outside centre vacancy, and had a classy showing in Toulon.

Slade ran the show in the centre of the park, and sent his forwards on thumping carries over the gain-line. The 30-year-old also backed himself to go alone, and has formed a nice midfield partnership with Welsh young gun Joe Hawkins. Slade's two slotted conversions were crucial for the win at the Stade Mayol, with the Chiefs recording a memorable victory.

An honourable Exeter mention is in order for Harvey Skinner, as the fly half scored a try to remember following a well-timed interception. Also, Max Norey made good on his Champions Cup debut, as the hooker powered over for a try which set up the dramatic finale.

The Bath loose-head had a stunning run out against Ulster, and was duly awarded the Player of the Match for his efforts. Obano's was unfaltering at the set-piece, most notably the maul and scrum.

The 29-year-old urged his men on up front, and muscled the rolling maul over Ulster try-line for Tom Dunn's second half score. Obano was excellent scrummaging wise, and repeatedly sent Ulster tight-head Tom O'Toole back-peddling against the shove.

Obano overpowered the Ireland international prop, and presented his abilities against a top calibre tight-head. It has been more than two years since Obano experienced an England cap, with his third and most recent test coming against Canada in the Summer of 2021. The Bath man has previously featured in the Six Nations, with one appearence under Eddie Jones against Scotland, in the 2021 campaign.

Obano has been continuing to prove his skillset against top calibre opposition, and this strong effort in Bath's victory over the Belfast side has helped out his England contention for a possible Six Nations return next February.

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do