Boy George
Rising Saracens star talks to Sky Sports about learning under two of the best hookers in the world.
By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC. Last Updated: February 10, 2012 10:21am
Jamie George: Is relishing working alongside John Smit and Schalk Brits
When Saracens announced they would be signing World Cup-winning captain John Smit, rising star Jamie George could have been forgiven for feeling a little pushed out.
With the impressive Schalk Brits having established himself as the first-choice hooker at Vicarage Road, George's progress looked like it could stagnate with the arrival of Smit, who skippered South Africa to glory in 2007.
George, a former England Under-20s skipper, had made giant strides last season and played a key role as Saracens won the Aviva Premiership title.
However, the 21-year-old seemed set to fall down the pecking order once Smit teamed up with his new colleagues following the World Cup.
Instead of sulking, though, George has made the most of the unique opportunity to help improve his own game - with the academy graduate going on to make more appearances this season than either Brits or Smit.
Patient
Such has been George's progress that he has even captained Saracens this term, leading Smit to even fill in at prop.
And George is full of praise of his two rivals for the No.2 jersey.
"I can understand why people could see it as being a frustrating situation," George told Sky Sports. "I want as much game time as I can get, but to be honest that's not really been a problem as Schalk has been injured while John has being playing at prop.
"I know that I have got to be patient, though, as we have got the two of the best hookers in the world at the club. I am just taking my time, learning and being patient as it is a real privilege to be in this position.
"As well as being two fantastic players, they are also two of the most helpful guys you could want to meet. Both of them have been so good to me and taken me under their wings. It is such a great opportunity for me.
Captaincy
"As soon as I met John I knew it was going to be a great thing for me. We talk a lot about the game in general and captaincy."
With Brits and Smit having different styles, George has been able to pick up the best from both players to help him become a more complete player.
"I always said Schalk was one of the best hookers in the world - but now we have two of the best in the world at the club with both being totally different types of player," added George.
"Schalk is a great ball carrier and runner while John is superb at the technical aspects in the set piece and that is good for me to learn from."
Saracens players Nils Mordt, Jamie George and Jackson Wray were at Aegis gyms giving training tips to Gatorade's Save Your Season team Eton Manor RFC. Gatorade is The Official Performance Partner of Premiership Rugby. To see more go to www.saveyourseason.co.uk
