George considered quitting England duty after losing captaincy

LONDON : England hooker Jamie George said he contemplated walking away from international duty after losing the captaincy to Maro Itoje this year, but decided to carry on after seeking advice from friends, family and coaches.

The 34-year-old took over the captaincy from Owen Farrell after the 2023 World Cup, but was routinely replaced early in the second half of games as England struggled for results.

Coach Steve Borthwick made the surprise announcement in January that Itoje would replace George as captain, partly due to the face that he wanted a leader who would usually be on the pitch for 80 minutes.

"It was hard, it was difficult, it was frustrating and obviously then that makes you question if you can do it," George told BBC Sport's Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"I won't lie and say it didn't go through my head (finishing his England career) because I didn't really know how logistically it would work and if it would be too awkward to be coming back in. I didn't want to tread on any toes.

"But I watched the Ireland game (their 27-22 defeat in the Six Nations opener which he missed due to injury) and all I wanted to do was be back on that field because I missed it."

George said he took advice from his family, former Saracens team mate Farrell and the club's director of rugby Mark McCall.

"Mark was fantastic with me," George said. "If I could put my finger on one person who influenced my decision at that stage it was Mark."

George, who is line to win his 100th cap when England take on Italy at Twickenham on Sunday, said he was drawing inspiration from England cricketer Joe Root who was replaced as captain by Ben Stokes in 2022 after five years in charge.

"His batting improved significantly off the back of not being captain any