Jamie George has been handed the England captaincy once again for this summer’s Nations Championship campaign, but the veteran hooker is already approaching the final chapter of his illustrious career.
Steve Borthwick has turned to the experienced Saracens forward to lead England while regular skipper Maro Itoje is rested, yet George’s long-term future is already mapped out after confirming months ago that he will retire from professional rugby in 2027.
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One final contract
Back in January, George announced he had signed what he described as the final contract of his playing career, committing to one last season with Saracens before hanging up his boots.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m sure it seems early to be announcing this with another season to go, but I want to make sure I soak up every moment of my final season. I am more motivated than ever to finish my career at Saracens in a successful way.”
The decision means the 2026/27 campaign will be George’s farewell season, bringing to an end a remarkable one-club career that has seen him become one of Saracens’ greatest-ever players.
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Back in charge of England
Despite having his retirement date set, George remains central to England’s plans.
With Maro Itoje unavailable for the summer tour, Borthwick has restored the experienced hooker as captain for the Nations Championship, where England will face South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
It is another significant milestone in an international career that has already seen George earn more than 100 England caps, captain his country, and represent the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
His leadership and experience are expected to prove invaluable to an England squad featuring several uncapped players and a number of rising stars.
A glittering career nearing its conclusion
By the time George retires in 2027, he is likely to have spent almost two decades in the Saracens first team, winning multiple Premiership titles, European Cups and establishing himself as one of England’s finest hookers of the professional era.
While retirement is now firmly on the horizon, George’s immediate focus remains leading England through a demanding summer before one final push with Saracens during the 2026/27 season.
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Quiz: Name the Top 10 Highest Points Scorers in Rugby History
From legendary fly-halves with metronomic boots to all-time greats who dominated international rugby for more than a decade, these players have piled up points on the sport’s biggest stages.
You have three minutes to name the top 10 highest points scorers in men’s international rugby union history. How many can you get?
