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England face Wales in the first round of the Six Nations, with Welsh rugby currently dealing with off-field issues
England hooker Jamie George is expecting Wales to use the ongoing uncertainty over the future of the Ospreys as motivation in their Six Nations opener at Allianz Stadium next month.
Steve Tandy’s side start their campaign at Twickenham against an England outfit that have won 11 matches on the bounce, making Steve Borthwick’s side one of the favourites for the title. As if that wasn’t enough, Welsh rugby once again finds itself in turmoil.
Last week saw the Welsh Rugby Union choose Ospreys owners Y11 as their preferred bidder for Cardiff, moving one step closer to their aim of cutting a professional team in Wales.
Many of Tandy’s squad are affected by the news, with the ongoing uncertainty not helping Wales’ bid to end a three-year wait for a win in the Six Nations.
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However, Saracens hooker George – who will hang up his boots next year – knows all too well that Wales will be up for the trip to London.
“They won’t need any motivation, I’m sure,” said George at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh. “Wales have always been a very, very proud country and we’ve got no doubt that they’ll keep bringing a lot of pride and passion into Welsh rugby and use that as motivation.”
George was involved in 2023, when Wales’ Six Nations clash with England was under threat as Welsh players contemplated strike action.
That was ultimately averted at the last minute, with George at the time saying he felt for the Welsh players.
There’s been no official mention of strike action this time around, despite the threat of a team being culled.
The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association issued a statement last week calling for clarity on the number of teams in Wales for next season, setting a deadline of the day before the England match to receive assurances on that.
A second statement followed a day later, confirming the body that represents players has received that clarity following the WRU’s announcement that the Ospreys would continue until at least the end of next season under the ownership of Y11.
Even if that would seemingly avert any action by the players, the situation remains fraught.
Yet George believes Wales will come out all guns blazing at Twickenham.
“Exactly that,” he said. “I genuinely have a lot of sympathy for everything they’re going through, and no one wants (that).
“For me growing up, Welsh rugby is such a big deal.
“I really hope that everything gets sorted, I’m sure that they’ll be itching to put Welsh rugby back on the map with their performances for the national team.”
