Latest news with #JamieGeorge
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Jamie George full of pride in Lions return despite ‘midweek massive' role
There are plenty of reasons to question the British & Irish Lions' clash with a First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday. To wonder what the point of it is, sandwiched between the first two Tests. That the Lions have shipped in five players specifically to keep their frontline stars wrapped in cotton wool suggests it is little more than an inconvenience to the tourists. Then you listen to Jamie George explain what it means to him to represent the Lions again and it immediately changes your perception. Bin juice has never tasted so good. It took George 47 hours to make the journey from San Juan, not far from the Andes in Argentina, where he was preparing to represent England against the Pumas, to Brisbane to join up with the Lions before the first Test. Devastated at missing out on the initial squad, George jumped at the chance to come in as cover for Luke Cowan-Dickie, who is still recovering from concussion. A flight to Buenos Aires was followed by another to Rio de Janeiro, another to Dubai and then on to Brisbane. 'I gave the world a good lap,' he says, explaining that the gangster series Mobland and 'some pretty horrific moves' including the Kevin Costner golf classic Tin Cup kept him busy while sticking to a strict sleep regime prescribed by the Lions. George Jamie Osborne – cover for Garry Ringrose – as well as Thomas Clarkson, Darcy Graham, Ewan Ashman, Gregor Brown and Rory Sutherland all make the squad for Tuesday's fixture, along with Blair Kinghorn who returns after a knee injury. Andy Farrell insists he is keeping an open mind when it comes to selection for the second Test but in reality only Kinghorn and Ringrose, who is on the bench, have a realistic shot at making the XV. Owen Farrell is captain and he could conceivably make the 23, as could George. On the whole, however, those selected are the dirt-trackers, the bin juice or the midweek massive. For his part, George is determined to make the most of his second chance on his third Lions tour. A cancelled flight delayed the arrival of his father, Ian, whose presence in Melbourne gives the fixture extra meaning to George. He lost his mother, Jane, to cancer last year and George cites having his parents on the 2017 tour of New Zealand as one of his happiest memories. 'My old man is on the way,' said George. 'Obviously it's sad that my mum is not going to be able to be here but being able to do stuff like this for people like my old man, giving him the opportunity to travel around Australia, to watch his son play for the Lions. That's the special bit about what I do and it's my biggest motivation about why I do what I do. 'It's emotional to be back out there because I never thought this opportunity was going to come, however many weeks ago the squad was announced and I was heartbroken and now I've got the opportunity to pull the jersey on again and it might be the last time, it might not be. But I'll try to put my best foot forward and play like it's the last time and when I do it like that I want to make people proud, I want to do the jersey proud and do everything I possibly can to win in a Lions jersey because I think international selection is one thing but winning as a Lions is different so that's what I'm here to do. 'It's absolutely about gathering momentum for the boys in the Test team and giving them confidence in terms of what they see from us. Of course it's an amazing opportunity to put your name forward for Test selection. That's the way that people have got to see it.' Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion George is a huge cricket fan and so the significance of the Lions playing the second Test at the MCG is not lost on him. The 34-year-old hooker admits that attending a Boxing Day Test is 'bucket list' and did not rule out leading a 'sprinkler' celebration, as Graeme Swann did when England retained the Ashes in the 2010-11 contest in Melbourne. 'What a great shout that is,' he added. 'I see myself as a sort of Graeme Swann figure. Similar characters, both talented blokes. It could happen, yeah, who knows. Bucket list stuff for me is watching the Boxing Day Test there. I'd be getting stuck in once I've retired. In the Barmy Army, 100%, I'd be in the mix, shirt off, I'd have anywhere between 15 and 20 pints. A tattoo of Joe Root on one arm, Ben Stokes on the other. 'How good is it going to be? 100,000 people at the MCG. I thought the atmosphere was good at the weekend but from experience it just goes like that [upwards] in the second and third Tests.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Jamie George lifts the lid on 'chaos' of Lions call-up and 47-hour trip from England duty to Australia - admitting 'I would have swum!'
Jamie George described his Lions call-up as 'chaos', after taking four flights in a mad dash from the Andes to Australia – a gruelling, convoluted journey which lasted the best part of two days. The 34-year-old Saracens hooker woke up in San Juan, Argentina, on the morning of Saturday, July 12, expecting to serve again as co-captain of England, in their quest to seal a 2-0 series victory over the dangerous Pumas. Instead, he was hurriedly withdrawn from that match, to prepare for an inter-continental trek to join up with Andy Farrell's British and Irish squad in Brisbane, ahead of the first Test last weekend – as cover for injured compatriot Luke Cowan-Dickie. Now, having been selected to start the final tour game of the 2025 campaign against a First Nations-Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium, George explained the logistical challenge answering his emergency summons. 'It was chaos,' he said. 'I didn't really understand how it was all going to work. I woke up on Saturday morning, obviously preparing for our second Test against Argentina, to messages saying, 'Luke has picked up a head knock'. 'Steve (Borthwick – England head coach) spoke to me and he was the one who told me I was going to Australia and then spoke to Andy. We had a conversation about whether I could play in the game and then come, because there were no flights outside of San Juan that night, so I had to stay for the game anyway. Obviously, I was always going to want to play in that game because of the scale of it. 'Door to door, it was about 47 hours' travel from San Juan to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Rio, Rio to Dubai and Dubai to Brisbane. So, I gave the world a good lap! But honestly, if it was up to me, I would have swum here. 'Getting that call, I reflected on the disappointment of not being selected in the initial squad. Some of the best memories I've ever had on a rugby field were in 2017 (Lions tour of New Zealand). So, to be able to represent the Lions again is the stuff that dreams are made of.' George certainly racked up the air miles and he also had plenty of time for some varied viewing. 'I watched a full series of Mobland,' he said. 'I watched some pretty horrific movies on the plane if I'm honest. I watched Tin Cup – the golf one; a couple of old-school films. 'They (Lions) sent me a good sleep protocol which was quite hard to follow; when to sleep and when to try and stay awake. I had to try and stay awake for the first seven hours of the first flight, which was a challenge. So, to Rio and then the first five on the way to Dubai. But it was great. I genuinely felt like, by the time I got here, I'd sort of got over it because of the length of time on the plane.' Inclusion in the starting side for the last midweek fixture Down Under presents a glimmer of hope that George could force his way into Test contention – however far-fetched that might be with a four-day turn-around before the next encounter with the Wallabies. That is on his ultimate wish list, but just being here means so much to the veteran of two previous tours. His sheer enthusiasm for the Lions is infectiously apparent. 'I am blown away, I find it very surreal and I am taken aback,' he said. 'This will be one of the biggest games of my career. I never thought I would have this opportunity again, so I am not going to let it slip. I am motivated as I have ever been, but there are ridiculously good players ahead of me. All I can do is enjoy every opportunity that I get and put my best foot forward. 'It's emotional to be back out there because I never thought this opportunity was going to come. When the squad was announced, I was heartbroken and now I've got the opportunity to pull the jersey on again and it might be the last time, it might not be. I'll play like it's the last time. I want to make people proud, I want to do the jersey proud and do everything I can to win in a Lions jersey.' The hectic and last-minute nature of his selection has limited the possibility of his family coming out, but George's father, Ian, has arrived in Melbourne, after hastily changing travel plans to head for Australia rather than South America. 'My old man is on the way,' he said. 'He phoned me in a panic. It was literally two hours before kick-off and I got a phone call. He was supposed to be flying that night and the flight has been cancelled. 'The bloke is 74 and technology doesn't work too well (for him), so he was flapping and stressing. But he's on another flight, on his way here. He's buzzing. Being able to do stuff like this for people like my old man, giving him the opportunity to travel around Australia, to watch his son play for the Lions – that's the special bit about what I do.' George is a highly experienced figure with Lions pedigree. He knows how difficult these tours can be, after a series draw in 2017 and defeat in 2021. He is certain that Farrell's team can play a lot better after being 'clunky at times' in the Brisbane opener, which they won 27-19. He has no doubt about the overall balance of power but is expecting a fierce contest on Saturday. 'In my eyes, I don't see a world where Australia looked like winning the game,' he said. 'In the first half of that Test, the physicality that I saw from the Lions team was something else. Tom Curry was on jet fuel. It was crazy. There were some seriously good performances. 'We're 1-0 up in the series and the potential of the team is huge, but I'm expecting a much better Australia team. I think they would have been disappointed with the way they played. There's talk of them bringing in some pretty big hitters. That means they're going to be a much better team. Is Test two going to go nuclear? I imagine so, from both sides.' For a passionate cricket fan, the fact that the next Test is taking place at the iconic MCG adds to the sense of occasion. George hopes to return to the 100,000-capacity stadium one day, as a spectator. 'Bucket-list stuff for me is watching the Boxing Day Test there,' he said. 'I'll be getting stuck in once I've retired. In the Barmy Army, 100 per cent. I'd be in the mix – shirt off. I'd have anywhere between 15 and 20 pints, a tattoo of Joe Root on one arm, Ben Stokes on the other!' When it was suggested that George and his team-mates should recreate the famous England cricket team 'sprinkler' celebration from 2010 on the MCG out-field, if the Lions seal a series win, he said: 'What a great shout! It's lunacy that (Henry) Pollock would have been five at the time – but he is a lunatic. I see myself as a sort of Graeme Swann figure. Similar characters – both talented blokes. It could happen, yeah.'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Jamie George predicts Lions will face backlash from ‘much better' Australia
British and Irish Lions hooker Jamie George predicts Saturday's second Test against Australia in Melbourne will 'go nuclear'. The Lions seized a 1-0 lead in the series after prevailing 27-19 at Suncorp Stadium but are braced for the backlash with bulldozing forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini set to return from calf injuries to reinforce the Wallabies. George starts against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday in an opportunity to force his way into Andy Farrell's Test plans in what will be the first appearance of his third Lions tour. 'In my eyes, I don't see a world where Australia looked like winning the first Test,' said George, a late call-up from England's tour of Argentina. 'In the first half of that Test, the physicality that I saw from the Lions team was something else. Tom Curry was on jet fuel. It was crazy. There were some seriously good performances. 'We're 1-0 up in the series and the potential of the team is huge, but I'm expecting a much better Australia team. 'I think they would have been disappointed with the way they played. There's talk of them bringing in some pretty big hitters. 'That means they're going to be a much better team. Is Test two going to go nuclear? I imagine so, from both sides.'
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Sport
- Tom's Guide
How to watch First Nations & Pasifika XV vs British & Irish Lions: Live stream the 2025 rugby game, team news
After beating the Wallabies 27-19 in the opening Test at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Lions will attempt to continue their winning ways when they take on a First Nations & Pasifika XV that is packed with talent and power. You can watch First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE. The First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live stream takes place on Tuesday, July 22. • Time: 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. BST / 8 p.m. AEST• FREE STREAM — RugbyPass TV (U.S.)• Australia — Stan Sport• U.K. — Sky Sports• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free Owen Farrell will make his 20th appearance in a Lions jersey as he captains a starting XV that does not include any of the players who featured in the first-Test victory against Australia. The veteran fly-half is participating in his fourth Lions tour and was given the nod as skipper ahead of fellow Englishman Jamie George. The 33-year-old will wear the number 12 in a team that also features Ireland's Jamie Osborne, the fit-again Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham on the right wing and Duhan van der Merwe on the left. Fin Smith and Ben White also come back into the team after excelling in the warm-up game against AUNZ, while Ben Earl, Marcus Smith and Alex Mitchell are on the bench. While head coach Andy Farrell is protecting his first-choice players, he will be assessing the performance of the starters against a powerful First Nations & Pasifika XV to see if any can force their way into the team for the second Test against the Wallabies on Saturday. Here's how to watch First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live streams from anywhere in the world and potentially for free. First Nations & Pasifika XV: Muirhead; Reilly, Foketi, Feliuai, Daugunu; Beale, Thomas; Ieli, Paenga-Amosa, Tupou, Swain, Salakaia-Loto, Uru, Gamble, Tualima Replacements: Asiata, Pearce, Doge, Vocevoce, Leota, Goddard, Debreczeni, McLeod British and Irish Lions XV: Kinghorn; Graham, Osborne, Farrell (capt), Van der Merwe; F Smith, White; Schoeman, George, Bealham, Ryan, Cummings, Morgan, Van der Flier, Pollock Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Clarkson, Brown, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Ringrose If you're in the U.S. you're in luck, as you can watch a First Nations & Pasifika XV vs British & Irish Lions live stream for FREE on RugbyPass TV. Traveling outside the States right now? You can use a VPN to watch all the action as if you were back home. Of the options, NordVPN is our top pick, and we'll show you how to access it below. Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the rugby on your usual subscription? You can still watch First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market: NordVPN deal: FREE $50 / £50 Amazon gift card Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ FREE Amazon gift card worth up to $50/£50✅ 4 months extra FREE!✅ 76% off usual price Use Nord to unblock RugbyPassTV and watch FREE Lions coverage live online with our exclusive deal. Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting Canada from the States but want to view RugbyPassTV as usual, you'd select a U.S. server from the list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to RugbyPass TV and enjoy! As mentioned above, American rugby fans are among the luckiest in the world as they can watch a First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live stream for FREE on RugbyPass TV. The second Test on Saturday will be shown on CBS which is available via Paramount Plus. You will need the Showtime package ($12.99) to access CBS' live stream. Not currently in the U.S. but want to catch the First Nations & Pasifika XVa vs Lions Test? You can use a VPN to watch all the action as if you were back home. NordVPN is our top pick. First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions, along with every game of the 2025 Lions tour, is being shown on Sky Sports. Head to Sky TV deals and packages for today's best prices and don't forget you can stream Sky Sports live on Sky Go, which is available on a multitude of devices. NOW Sports is an alternative streaming membership instead. Plans start at £14.99 per day or £29.99 per month. There will also be highlights later in the day at 8 p.m. BST on the free-to-air Welsh-language S4C channel, which can be streamed on BBC iPlayer. If you're abroad right now, you can still follow your preferred First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN. The First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live stream, along with every game of the tour, is exclusive to DAZN in Canada. Paying for a year upfront will get you the most bang for your buck, at CA$249.99. However, if you commit to a year but pay monthly, you'll get your first two months for CA$4.99 apiece, with the remaining 10 priced at CA$24.99/month. A monthly rolling subscription usually costs CA$34.99, but for a limited time you can get your first month for CA$19.99. U.S. residents visiting Canada can get a FREE First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions live stream through RugbyPassTV using NordVPN. The First Nations & Pasifika XV vs Lions is being broadcast on Stan Sport ad-free and in 4K, along with every other game of the Lions tour. Stan Sport costs AU$15/month on top of a Stan plan, which starts at AU$12/month. You can also watch the second test match for free on 9Now. If you're away from Australia right now and want to watch your usual subscription from back home, use a quality VPN like NordVPN. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Jamie George predicts Lions will face backlash from ‘much better' Australia
British and Irish Lions hooker Jamie George predicts Saturday's second Test against Australia in Melbourne will 'go nuclear'. The Lions seized a 1-0 lead in the series after prevailing 27-19 at Suncorp Stadium but are braced for the backlash with bulldozing forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini set to return from calf injuries to reinforce the Wallabies. George starts against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday in an opportunity to force his way into Andy Farrell's Test plans in what will be the first appearance of his third Lions tour. 'In my eyes, I don't see a world where Australia looked like winning the first Test,' said George, a late call-up from England's tour of Argentina. 'In the first half of that Test, the physicality that I saw from the Lions team was something else. Tom Curry was on jet fuel. It was crazy. There were some seriously good performances. 'We're 1-0 up in the series and the potential of the team is huge, but I'm expecting a much better Australia team. 'I think they would have been disappointed with the way they played. There's talk of them bringing in some pretty big hitters. 'That means they're going to be a much better team. Is Test two going to go nuclear? I imagine so, from both sides.'
