Ben Earl Avoids Jamie George’s Unwanted Record as He Earns First Start for England
England hooker Jamie George has expressed his disappointment as his record for the longest Test career without a start remains intact. His Saracens teammate, Ben Earl, had been closing in on this mark, having appeared as a substitute for England 15 times since his debut in 2020. However, head coach Steve Borthwick has named Earl in the starting XV for Friday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham, which has left George “gutted” as Earl takes the first step in avoiding the unwanted record.
Ben Earl, who had previously struggled to secure a starting role under former England coach Eddie Jones, has impressed both at Saracens and on the international stage. His performances were recognised when he was named Gallagher Premiership player of the season in 2022, and he has now earned his first Test start. Earl acknowledged the friendly rivalry with George, noting that his mate wasn’t “the proudest” to hold the record for the most appearances off the bench without a start.
Reflecting on his England journey, Earl admitted that it had been “bizarre” at times, with periods of uncertainty over whether he would ever get a consistent run in the side. However, under Borthwick, Earl has received renewed encouragement, especially after a Six Nations campaign that didn’t meet his expectations.
England have faced three consecutive losses heading into the match against Wales, including a 20-9 defeat in Cardiff the previous week. Despite this, Earl remains optimistic, believing that England are “on the edge” of turning things around. With a potent starting lineup, the team is hoping to surprise their critics and demonstrate what they can achieve on the pitch.
Earl added that the environment under Borthwick has been one of the best he’s experienced, and that the players are eager to prove themselves. He is hopeful that the team can finally translate their hard work and preparation into a performance that shows their true potential.
