Portugal Colonial - England men's skipper George helps coach women's team

George, fresh from leading the men's side in an encouraging Six Nations of their own, worked with England women's hookers Lark Atkin-Davies, Connie Powell, Amy Cokayne and May Campbell at their Surrey training base on Wednesday.

Mitchell got to know Saracens hooker George when working as an assistant when Australian Eddie Jones was England men's head coach. The New Zealander hopes this week's training session won't be the last time the senior national sides work together.

"I worked with Jamie before and this wasn't forced or coerced by me. I've kept in touch since my departure as a coach and wished him well for the Six Nations," Mitchell said Thursday.

"When I got this role he said 'if you ever any help just sing out'. He was the one who actually encouraged it for this situation. We've made it work and I think the girls have enjoyed it."

England captain Marlie Packer, who knows George from her time with Saracens, said: "The girls really enjoyed it. We don't want to force it because the men have their own programmes, the same as us, so the timing needs to be right for both.

"We also have that club connection as well, Jamie has been doing some work with me at Saracens."

England launched the defence of their Women's Six Nations title with a 48-0 thrashing of Italy last weekend and will be overwhelming favourites to beat Wales in Bristol on Saturday.

The Red Roses have won the Women's Six Nations for five successive years, with only a change in format in a Covid-hit 2021 preventing them from winning a Grand Slam on each occasion.

P.Serra--PC