Jamie George: We have to set a new standard and play with a new intensity
Jamie George wants to add another Six Nations title to his list of honours
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Jamie George believes England must continue to adapt following a successful 2025, warning that failure to progress could derail their hopes of Six Nations glory.
Steve Borthwick’s squad head into the championship on an 11-match winning streak which stretches back to their victory over France in last year's Six Nations.
England begin their tournament against Wales in less than a fortnight carrying confidence, but George feels that past success will count for little if the team becomes complacent.
"We’re in a good spot, there’s no hiding that,” said George.
"There’s a lot of confidence in the group and a lot of enjoyment about being in camp.
"That’s a good indicator that you will go on to play good rugby.
"We welcome the expectation because it’s a compliment for what we’ve done and what we’ve achieved over a short period of time, but it also keep us on our toes because we know we can’t be complacent and can’t rely on previous performances.
"We know that if we are the same team as we were for the last 11 games, it’s not going to be good enough, so our focus over the next two weeks is to become a better team. “We have to set a new tone and new standard and play with a new intensity and in a way we’re proud of."
England’s immediate attention is on their opening clash with Wales, but a trip to Edinburgh to face Scotland in Round Two is a hurdle Borthwick's troops have failed to overcome in recent campaigns.
England haven't won north of the border since 2020, but if they were to improve on that statistic on February 14th, the path to their first Six Nations title in six years would open up.
“It’s probably turned into our biggest rivalry in the Six Nations,” George said.
“We haven’t won in Edinburgh for a long time so it’s going to be a huge game for us. Hopefully we can get off to a start against Wales and then we’ll focus on Scotland.”
George was addressing the media at the Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh on Monday, stepping in for captain Maro Itoje, who has been absent while mourning the loss of his mother.
The situation resonates deeply with George, whose own mother, Jane, was diagnosed with cancer on the day he was named England captain in 2024 and passed away in February of that year.
“It’s horrible news, I’ve been through it myself. It’s a hugely challenging time for him and a hugely challenging time for his family," George added.
"The way he has carried himself over the last few months has been incredibly impressive. The important thing is that he’s been given enough space to mourn and grieve.
"The way he has kept showing up and put the team first in a lot of ways has been incredible."
"I know he’ll be wanting to do his family proud over the next short period of time. We’re all very proud of him and will be there for him."
