Six Nations 2024: Jamie George draws inspiration from men’s cricket team to ‘put smiles on fans’ faces’

England want to draw inspiration from the men’s cricket team to “put smiles on fans’ faces”, says new captain Jamie George.

The 33-year-old admires their message to be “entertainers” and wants his side to do the same after only two wins from their past five games at home.

“I’m not saying we are going to go all out on attack,” George told BBC Sport.

“But what I am saying is Ben Stokes talks a lot about expressing themselves and the fact that they are entertainers.

“Something at the forefront of our mind, especially at the minute, is how we can put smiles on people’s faces, how we can bring Twickenham back to that fortress we want it to be.”

Since taking charge of England, head coach Steve Borthwick has suffered a record home defeat by France and a first ever defeat by Fiji, which was also at Twickenham.

England travel to Italy on Saturday for their opening game of this year’s Six Nations before their first game at Twickenham – since that Fiji defeat – against Wales on 10 February.

‘It should be the best time of your career’

Hooker George was named England captain for the campaign in the absence of Saracens team-mate Owen Farrell.

Farrell, who will leave Saracens to join Racing 92 in July, has captained England since 2019 but ruled himself out of the tournament to prioritise his and his family’s mental wellbeing.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) does not allow players based abroad to be selected for England, meaning George could likely be England’s new long-term captain.

Despite playing under Farrell at both Saracens and England, George says he is “very comfortable” in the role.

“In terms of style, I am a people person. I care about relationships, I care about people loving their time playing for England,” the 33-year-old said.

“I have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride – some of the best times of my life have been playing for England, but I have had some difficult times while playing for England also.

“For me, and I said it to the boys, that was one of the first things I said, being in this environment and playing for England, should be the best time of your life, it should be the best time of your career.

“And am very passionate about making sure people are in a position to do that.”