Six Nations 2024: Jamie George says England's game against Scotland will be a 'special one' following mother's death
- Published
'My mum would have wanted me to crack on'
Guinness Six Nations: Scotland v England |
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Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 24 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, iPlayer and online from 16:00 GMT, listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and follow live text on the BBC Sport website and app |
England captain Jamie George says Saturday's Six Nations game against Scotland will be a "special one" following the death of his mother.
The hooker's mother, Jane, died last week but George has decided to play because she "would have wanted me to".
"I am so lucky that we have a great group of people here," he told Rugby Union Daily.
"It is going to be special with the rest of my family in the stands. My parents never missed a game."
The Saracens hooker, 33, was named England captain before the Six Nations following Owen Farrell's decision to step away.
"Sadly she never saw me captain England because she was too ill to be there but every other game she was there," he added.
"Many of the highlights of her life were watching me play rugby for England and it will be amazing to do that again on Saturday.
"Mum was probably the biggest England rugby fan there could ever be and I take great joy that she had a lot of happiness following me around the world.
"She loved the boys, she loved watching me play and I want to continue making her proud."
George, who participated in an open training session at Twickenham two days after his mum's death, paid tribute to England head coach Steve Borthwick and his team-mates for their support.
"It was important for me and my family that I came back into camp and to put my best foot forward and be involved," added George.
"If I can take one bit of confidence over the last nine or 10 days, it is that if we look after people the way the lads have looked after me, that is a sign of a really positive team.
"It's been incredible the way they've looked after me. From Steve and the doctor here, and also the boys, they have given me time and space when I have needed it. Steve has been checking in with me pretty much every day to see how I am. They have been amazing."