Jamie George: England may leave the pitch if targeted by racist abuse in Argentina

Jamie George has threatened to lead his England team off the pitch against the Pumas on Saturday if there is a recurrence of the racial abuse that marred their last appearance in Argentina.

Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Chandler Cunningham-South were targeted by a small group of fans when warming up with their fellow replacements during the first half of England’s 22-17 victory in San Juan a year ago.

A World Rugby investigation concluded that an act of racial discrimination had taken place and the Argentine Rugby Union has provided assurances that it was a one-off episode.

If a similar incident does unfold at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, George insists England are ready to take matters into their own hands – including the possibility of leading the team into the changing room.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Strongest of reactions

“It’s something being considered,” the captain said. “If anything like that happened then it deserves the strongest of reactions.

“There is no place for that in the world and I feel incredibly strongly about that.

“We’ve had discussions around ‘what if?’.

“I really hope – and I’m optimistic – that the Argentinian Rugby Union has taken it very seriously. At the same time we’ve got a plan B if that doesn’t happen.

“The first thing we’d do is make the referee aware of what we’ve seen so it can be properly logged and all the protocols can go into play.

“What we do outside of that we’re still deciding.”

Consulting

George is consulting with those members of England’s squad with mixed heritage before determining what action to take, including Opoku-Fordjour who is included on the bench for the climax to the July tour.

“It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life when I heard what had happened – and it wasn’t directed at me,” said George, who was a late withdrawal from the starting XV in San Juan after being called up for the Lions tour to Australia but was present for the game.

“It was directed at my team-mates and I care about my team-mates more than anything.

“I will continue to have conversations with a select group of players from different ethnic backgrounds and we will come up with a plan.

“Asher’s obviously aware of what’s coming and he’s had conversations with a few of the other guys.

“I’m going to him because this isn’t just my call to make – the abuse wasn’t aimed at me.”

Big rivalry

England have won all five of their meetings with Argentina in the Steve Borthwick era, including their most recent clash at Allianz Stadium in November when flanker Tom Curry was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi.

“It’s a big rivalry now,” George said. “We look at Argentina on the calendar whenever the fixtures come out and we know it will be a special occasion.

“On the field we’re very aware that when we play Argentina they’re an incredibly proud nation and it’s going to be hostile.

“They’re going to be desperate to win, especially on their own turf.”

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Adam Davy/PA

READ MORE: Henry Pollock misses out as England name unchanged side for Argentina clash