England captain Jamie George believes that Owen Farrell needs to be in rugby’s G.O.A.T debate and claims that Saracens wouldn’t have won anything without him.
George and Farrell have been long-time teammates, having both come through Saracens’ Academy en route to enjoying massive success at club and international level together.
Following Farrell’s departure to Racing 92 and opting to take a break from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, George was entrusted with the captaincy of the national team.
Jamie George’s bold Owen Farrell claim
However, the 33-year-old front-rower clearly feels that he has big boots to fill after speaking glowingly about his ex-teammate.
“I genuinely think he should be in the conversation – Owen Farrell,” George confidently said on Danny Care’s Hits Different show.
Care asked George to explain what it is about Farrell that makes him believe that he should be in the conversation.
“I just think you’ve got to look what he’s won, what he’s done in the game. I don’t know many other players that have done it domestically and internationally the way that he has,” the hooker replied.
“So he’s won six Premierships, three Europeans [Champions Cup], what is it 115 England caps, however many as captain, three Lions tours like, it’s just ridiculous really.”
He added: “I can confidently say that Sarries wouldn’t have won anything if he wasn’t playing.”
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What separates Farrell from the rest
Co-host Mark Atkinson pointed out to the England forward that his reasoning about Farrell’s success was essentially his career too, but George explained that it was Farrell’s influence on the teams that was different to any other player.
“He was so influential, there’d be games you know like we’ve all played in them where things aren’t really going right and you’re not feeling great, no one’s feeling great and it’s really flat. Like no one picks up a game by the scruff of the neck like he does,” he said.
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“Also he can rev up and batter people, like physically, defensively and that’s the bit that he probably doesn’t get all the plaudits for so he certainly has to be in the conversation.”
George is set to resume the captaincy in November having led England during the 2024 Six Nations, becoming the 135th player to skipper the team.
He also captained the side during the July internationals against Japan and the All Blacks.
England will tackle New Zealand once again this November before facing Australia, South Africa and Japan in consecutive weekends at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
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