George is eager to seize opportunity as a Lions starter
JAMIE GEORGE has set his sights on a British and Irish Lions starting spot after spending his season on the bench.
The Saracens hooker has played second fiddle to England captain Dylan Hartley in recent campaigns, with all 17 of his international caps as a substitute.
But the 26-year-old has impressed Lions coach Warren Gatland so much as a replacement for England, as well as during Saracens’ march to back-to-back European Champions Cup triumphs, that he is one of three hookers who will board the plane to New Zealand tomorrow.
Ireland’s veteran hooker Rory Best and Wales No2 Ken Owens stand between George and a first Test start against the All Blacks on June 24 and the 17 stone star is set on catching his coach’s eye.
‘Warren has said it is a level playing field for everyone,’ said George. ‘My mindset is that you have to earn the right to play in the shirt. That is my ambition.
‘I know that I will have to be in form up against two world-class players and I’m making sure I’m doing everything to get myself right when my opportunity comes.
‘It will still be tough competition. Both Rory and Ken are fantastic players but that is the competition you want.’
The Lions kick off their 10-match tour against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei next Saturday, when George could get his chance to make an early impression.
The tour comes at the end of another season which has seen several players pushing the nominal 32-match limit they are not meant to exceed.
But George said: ‘I feel really good. They have put us under pressure in training this week and it has been tough conditioning wise.
‘But a Lions tour gives you an increase in energy.
‘Despite your body feeling a bit battered at the end of a long season it does not come into contention as I’m so excited about getting going.’