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England could lose Prem's top try scorer to Ireland

George McGuigan of England is tackled during the Quilter Cup match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on May 27, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Dean Richards has warned England they could lose Newcastle Falcons hooker George McGuigan, the Gallagher Premiership’s top try scorer with 13 this season, as he is also qualified to play for Ireland.

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McGuigan, a former Ireland Under-20s international who played for England Saxons in 2016, collected another try in the narrow 25-22 European Challenge Cup win over Zebre which set up Friday night’s last 16 home game with Glasgow Warriors. It will be another opportunity for McGuigan to show why he is enjoying an excellent season.

In total, McGuigan has scored a remarkable 15 tries in 22 matches this season yet it is his fellow Falcons hooker Jamie Blamire who has caught Eddie Jones’s attention, winning six caps and collecting six tries.

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    Blamire’s absences on test duty have allowed McGuigan to cement his position as the starting hooker at Falcons who are blessed with a number of options in this key position.

    With England heading to Australia for a three test series this summer, Jones has to weigh up the benefits of taking a full-strength squad a year our from the 2023 Rugby World Cup or to give players on the fringes of the squad an opportunity to press their claims ahead of the tournament in France.

    Richards is obviously biased in his verdicts on McGuigan and Blamire but as the most experienced director of rugby in the Premiership, his views carry real weight. He told RugbyPass: “We have said for a long time that George has been outstanding and he is quite pragmatic about it and if Eddie(Jones) doesn’t look at him then it wouldn’t surprise me if Ireland didn’t start looking at him. George is battled hardened and is ready to go, we have previously had enquiries about him (from Ireland) and they will be keeping any eye on him because he is a really good option for any international team.

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    “Both George and Jamie offer a huge amount. Jamie has made a big impact coming off the bench for England and both of them are playing really well.”

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    Richards has also unearthed another impressive forward in back-rower Freddie Lockwood who was the Premiership’s top tackler with 23 in the last round when the Falcons inflicted a defeat on Worcester at Sixways. “He is big raw-boned lad and we are very happy with him,” added Richards. “We have really hot competition in the back row at the club and I am really pleased Freddie has come through and is showing his worth.”

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    1 Comment
    D
    Dave 1028 days ago

    Next to zero risk of him being capped for Ireland. Nothing to do with skill levels just he plays outside the Irish system and will be doing the same next year. The only exception to this was Johnny Sexton at Racing 92 and he was always coming back to Leinster agreed in advance of him going

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    RedWarrior 4 hours ago
    The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

    So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

    Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

    Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

    1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

    2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

    3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

    4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


    One last thing missing from English analysis

    How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


    Food for thought old boy!!!!

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