England hooker Jamie George is set to make his 300th appearance for Saracens at the weekend but admitted that reaching the milestone is something which he never expected.
George made his debut for the North London-based outfit in 2009 and will reach his milestone appearance for Sarries when they host Bristol Bears at the StoneX Stadium on Saturday.
He initially started out at Saracens as part of their academy and since making his senior bow for the club he has gone on to reach great heights in the game, captaining his country while also representing the British & Irish Lions on their tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
‘I became a lifelong Sarries fan’
“I never dreamed of being able to achieve all this. Looking back, I started rugby at Hertford, a rugby club that has strong links with Saracens and from joining them at five years old I became a lifelong Sarries fan,” George told Saracens’ official website.
Despite making his Saracens debut in 2009, George had to bide his time behind Springboks World Cup-winning hookers Schalk Brits and John Smit, but over the years the England star has become an integral member of the club’s senior squad, winning six Premiership titles and three Champions Cups so far.
George, who replaced former Sarries stalwart Owen Farrell as England‘s skipper last year, believes that his success is down to the dedication the club showed him since his arrival.
“From the second I joined the academy at 14 I don’t think I could’ve felt more loved and appreciated,” he said. “I owe a lot of where I am today to my academy manager, Mike Hynard.
“It’s very special and fitting that he’s still here today and we have shared this journey together.
“The Wray family have supported me from the moment I walked through the door. Nigel and Lucy especially have always been there when I needed them most and their support has been special for me and my family.”
Special praise for Mark McCall
Another person who George has special praise for is Saracens’ director of rugby, Mark McCall, who he credits for a large part of his development as a player.
“All the coaches have been brilliant throughout the 15 years I’ve been here. Mark in particular is someone I have the upmost respect for,” the 34-year-old said.
“For me, he’s the best coach that has worked in European rugby and certainly made me the player I am today. A genius on the pitch and a true gent off it, he’s someone I’m very much indebted to.”
George thanked his family for the support they have given him throughout his professional career as well as the club who have stood by him through good and bad times.
“My family have gone from Saracens fans to diehard Saracens fans, it’s very special,” he added. “But I also see family in the squad and team around us. When my Mum passed away, everyone looked after me and my family. It meant so much.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/jamie-george-i-never-dreamed-of-being-able-to-achieve-all-this
