The evolution of a hooker has changed wildly over the years. Once upon a time, their job was simply to throw the ball in at a line out and hook the ball back at a scrum. Nowadays their job entails an awful lot more, including being able to carry the ball, score tries...and even kick?
Jamie George has proved over the years that hookers can kick in open play just as well as any fly half out there, as shown in this terrific video by video maestro Andrews Forde. In the below video, Forde compiles no less than 10 instances where George displays kicking prowess and vision unlike any other hooker in world rugby, including a pretty stupendous 50:22.
Check it out here:
One person even commented: "Great Hookers are flyhalfs in hooker bodies".
The 33-year-old has spent his entire club career at Saracens alongside the likes of England captain Owen Farrell and Alex Goode, who are both kicking superstars in their own rights. Also playing alongside the likes of Elliot Daly for club and country, George has never been short of kicking compatriots to learn from.
Recently talking about the future of English rugby, George had plenty to say on the prospect of central contracts for players:
“We just need a bit more clarity around them. It is hard for us because you hear the whispers and you might get excited about it, but at the same time we have to focus on the job at hand,” the Saracens hooker said.
“What I do have is a huge confidence in Steve to make sure we get this right if those central contracts or playing contracts do come in.
“It could be a great thing for English rugby, but it has to be done right. Steve will do it in the absolute right way that does not take away from the club game because that’s something that means a lot to me.
“Hopefully there will be plenty of player influence as well because there are a lot of very intelligent guys in this changing room who have a lot of things to say and care a huge amount about the English game and its development.
“You can see that in the way that a lot of the older guys are speaking about the future of this team and hopefully the RFU use us and we will be heavily involved in those conversations.”
With over 85 caps for England, and 3 test caps for the British and Irish Lions, George remains one of the most talented and important cogs in the Saracens and England machines. Likely to shortly be pushed for the England starting number two position by young hooker Theo Dan, alongside long-term international teammate Luke Cowan Dickie, George will have the opportunity to impart his wisdom and unique skills onto the next generation of hookers.
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