18 January 2024 , 08:43
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Steve Borthwick has revealed how an idea from Burnley boss Vincent Kompany led to him naming Jamie George as the captain of the England rugby team.
The Saracens hooker was announced as the team's leader when the Six Nations squad was confirmed on Wednesday morning. George will step into the void left by Owen Farrell, who has chosen to step away from international duty.
Kompany has led Burnley to promotion early in his managerial career and skippered Manchester City to numerous honours as a player. His leadership has long been hailed and he suggested to the England head coach that a questionnaire would show him which player stood out among his squad.
Borthwick revealed: "Prior to the World Cup, we did this study. We will do something similar again in the near future. It was a network analysis, for want of a better term. It was an idea given to me by Vincent Kompany.
"You basically give the players a series of questions, about the top three players you turn to in these situations. What it effectively produces is a network of how everybody connects, and who connects with who the most, in different elements; in tactical elements, high-pressure circumstances, off the field, you connect with different people.
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"So I had this incredible amount of information, and it said, 'I know where people turn'. And the number of people who connected with Jamie George is immense. His ability, across the whole squad, to understand people, I knew it was very good. That stood out to me as being exceptional.
"So I think he's a great people-person. He’s got a positive nature. There's always a smile very close in the way he is. And I want him to bring all of that into this role as the captain."
Steve Borthwick has turned to Jamie George as his new skipperGeorge has been regarded as one of England's leaders for some time but will now take on the main role as the Red Rose look to make a positive impact in the Six Nations following several campaigns in which they've underwhelmed.
He said on his new role: “Last week Steve asked me to be captain for the upcoming Six Nations and I accepted with huge gratitude and enthusiasm. I believe I’m at the stage of my career where I can give my all to the captaincy and give my best on the pitch."
England begin their tournament with a match against Italy in Rome. They will also travel to Scotland and France whilst hosting Wales and defending Grand Slam champions Ireland.