Jamie George has ‘vital’ role to play for England – Richard Cockerill

England forwards coach Richard Cockerill insists Jamie George has a crucial role to play in the decisive rounds of the Guinness Six Nations in the wake of Luke Cowan-Dickie’s campaign-ending knee injury.

Cowan-Dickie must undergo surgery to repair the cartilage and ligament damage sustained against Wales in round three and could be ruled out for the remainder of the season.

It paves the way for George to take ownership of the hooking duties against Ireland and France having slipped behind Cowan-Dickie in Eddie Jones’ pecking order for the position.

The pair been locked in fierce competition for the jersey but at the latter stage of last year’s Six Nations there was a reversal in roles that was confirmed during the Lions tour to South Africa when Cowan-Dickie emerged as the starting Test hooker.

George’s stock fell further when he was omitted altogether from Jones’ initial squad for the autumn as part of a cull of senior players, only for an ankle injury to his rival to offer a reprieve.

And with England still in the hunt for the title and five-cap rookie Jamie Blamire the next option at hooker, Cockerill believes the Saracens front row is about to come into his own.

“Jamie’s role is vital for us. He brings not only his playing ability, but his leadership ability as a very experienced player,” Cockerill said.

“He has worked hard away from England to get himself back in the squad, so he’s going to be vital for us. That experience he brings is huge.

“We’ve got some less experienced hookers in behind him so his leadership on and off the field, preparing for games as well as obviously in games, is going to be vital for what we do for the rest of the campaign.

“He’s played really well. When he’s been on the field, whether he