Jamie George admits England are guarding against any cunning plans their former coach Eddie Jones could throw at them, as Steve Borthwick’s side prepare to face Japan on Saturday

England captain Jamie George is wary of the unpredictable threat posed by former head coach Eddie Jones, who starts his second stint in charge of Japan with a showdown against the team he ran for seven years.

Steve Borthwick’s squad will on Sunday step up preparations for the tour opener against the Brave Blossoms at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday June 22. 

Jones has been overseeing an intense Japanese training camp in his favoured haunt of Miyazaki in the far south of the country and George knows that he is bound to have a cunning plan to plot the downfall of familiar foes.

Asked what he expects from the potentially dangerous hosts in the first of England’s three Tests over the coming weeks, George said: ‘We don’t know, it’s the first game that he (Jones) is coaching the team. 

‘We know that he gets his teams right for big games, this is a huge game for him, the first game in Japan, us going back there – there’s some great memories and some not-so great memories.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones (pictured) will come face-to-face with his former side England on Saturday

England captain Jamie George (pictured) believes his side will be weary of any plans Jones has to see his Japan side claim victory 

Jones (right) took charge of Japan in January 2024, after overseeing Australia’s disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign  

‘We’ve got a huge amount of respect for Eddie – he did great things for English rugby. He really gave me my first opportunity and he prepares his teams very, very well. He’ll have a really good plan in terms of how to break us down.

‘When he speaks about Japanese rugby, he speaks a lot about moving the ball, playing a fast game, high tempo, so I think that’s probably something that we can possibly think is coming.

‘But at the same time, who knows with Eddie, he’s a bit of a master of his craft, isn’t he?’

George has earned plaudits for his approach to the captaincy since being appointed at the start of this year and he is mindful of maintaining positive squad morale during this long-haul mission, which continues with back-to-back Tests in New Zealand on July 6 and July 13. 

The Saracens hooker added: ‘Sometimes you don’t think about the challenge of summer tours – being away from home and away from families. 

As part of England’s summer tour, Steve Borthwick’s (pictured) side will travel to New Zealand for two more Tests 

George (pictured) succeeded Owen Farrell as England captain last year, and has been applauded for his approach to the role 

The hooker is looking to build a positive morale in his squad during their summer tour

‘But we’re all in it together and we’ll make sure we look after each other and keep an eye out for each other because for anyone who comes on tour with England, it should be the best time of your life.

‘Some curve balls can be thrown your way but we want to create an environment and culture where people are genuinely enjoying themselves, regardless of selection and how things are going. We want to make sure we are looking out for everyone.’