STATEMENT: Steve Borthwick confirms the first England player to sign RFU hybrid contract

Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 09:52

bySteven Smith

Steve Borthwick emphasised the significance of Jamie George inking the inaugural RFU hybrid contract, deeming it a "bold statement" for England's strategy to retain top talents domestically.

The announcement of Saracens' hooker George being appointed as England's captain for the upcoming 2024 Six Nations was swiftly followed by the revelation that he had secured a groundbreaking two-year deal with both Saracens and the RFU – marking the initiation of a groundbreaking hybrid contract system.

"Well I think he was inundated with offers to go overseas, and it's a big statement that he has decided to stay here, be a part of this team, and lead this team," Borthwick told Sky Sports.

"Also that he believes in the new system which will come into play next season. That's a really important step.

"I've been consistent in this message: we need to have a system in this country that means the players want to stay here.

"That they want to be part of great clubs competing for trophies year-in, year-out. That they are part of an England team they find an enjoyable and stimulating environment, where they improve as players and compete at the top end of world rugby.

"If we develop that system, players will want to be part of that, with respect to the players who decide they don't. We want to make sure there is always that competition of players wanting to wear the England shirt.

"The eligibility rules are in place as they are. It's ensuring that this is where players want to play their rugby and are able to maximise their potential and win trophies, seeing their clubs and countries competing at the top end."

George is delighted to have put pen to paper for another two years as he closes in on 300 appearances for the club, and a century for his country.

“I’m ecstatic to be staying here for another couple of years, it’s so pleasing for me.” Said the hooker.

He added: “In my mind I always wanted to stay, I’ve grown up here, have been here for a long time and am excited by what is next.

"This whole organisation is based around people, and I’m excited by the people that we have here for the future. It’s an exciting time to be here, I can’t stress enough that my motivation is as high as ever.

"I’ve had some amazing times here and have enjoyed every part of it. My best mates are here and we all can’t wait see what the future brings.”

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Wayne Barnes ranked the worst rugby players to referee

#5. Joe Marler (England)

Joe Marler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

BARNES SAID: " “He was always a funny one on the field in nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke.

"But he does bring a smile to your face. That is what is unique about our sport, the interaction between players and refs and refs and coaches. It does show our sport off in a good light.”

Joe Marler facts:

Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce

#4. Matt Dawson (England)

During his international career he toured with the British & Irish Lions three times and was part of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side. He won 77 caps for his country in total.

BARNES SAID: "Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt."

#3. Martin Johnson (England)

The lock will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney. As well as being an inspirational leader, the Leicester lock was also a formidable player in his own right. A rock like presence in the tight, whose rugby motto was if in doubt, go forward.

BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership." said Barnes.

“2003 was my first [season] and obviously that was towards the end of his career and I remember I had to sin-bin him once and I actually apologised as I did it.

“I said ‘I’m very sorry I have to do this’ because he’s such a big personality. I guess he was always someone who scared me witless!”

Martin Johnson facts:

Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler. His younger brother Will is also a former back row forward for Leicester.
He briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end.
Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales.
His first job wa working in a nuts and bolts factory as a schoolboy

#2. Andy Goode (England)

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BARNES SAID: "He always made me smile as he made me look athletic when we were on the same pitch. However, the humorous players always keep you on your toes and if they get opportunity to pick you up on a slight faux pas, they will.

"I once mentioned to Andy Goode that him and his team mates were all appealing for far too many decisions and told him that it sounded like there were 15 referees on the pitch. “And you’re not even in the top 10” was his reply."

DID YOU KNOW? Goode had an 18-year professional career playing over 400 games and scoring over 4,000 points

#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time.

BARNES SAID: "I’ve been on the field with some of the great captains, John Smit, Sam Warburton and Richie McCaw," said Barnes.

"Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control.

"Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point."

Richie McCaw facts:

McCaw’s great-great-grandfather immigrated to New Zealand from the Scottish Borders in 1893. As tribute to his roots, the legendary All Black has learned how to play the bagpipes
He has won the World Rugby player of the year award a joint record three times and was the most capped test rugby player of all time from August 2015 to October 2020
McCaw was awarded World Rugby player of the decade (2011–2020) in 2021
It was revealed at his retirement announcement in 2015 that McCaw would work at Christchurch Helicopters, where he is a Director and Shareholder, and was obtaining a commercial helicopter licence
In December 2011, then Prime Minister John Key revealed that he had asked McCaw about the possibility of a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours, but that McCaw had turned it down

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