Towering England Rugby Union Star George Martin Hides in Plain Sight Despite Imposing Physique
BBC Rugby Union: As a rising star in the England rugby union squad, George Martin has quickly made a name for himself with his dominant physicality and aggressive play on the pitch. However, off the field, the 22-year-old second-row forward has found an unorthodox way to maintain a low profile around his hometown of Leicester.
Despite standing at an imposing 6ft 6in and weighing 19 stone, Martin has been compared to the cartoon superhero Mr. Incredible due to his ability to squeeze into a tiny Volkswagen Up car. The young England star revealed that he often drives to training with teammate Joe Heyes, whose car has his name emblazoned on the side, drawing more attention than Martin’s own modest vehicle.
“I put my hood up, I’m all right,” Martin said when asked about being recognized around Leicester. “A Tigers fan came up and asked why [Heyes] was here, and he said, ‘George Martin lives here’ and they said they’d seen me. Joe asked if he’d spoken to me and he said no – he was too scared!”
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Martin, who made his Six Nations comeback from injury against Scotland last weekend, has quickly established himself as a powerful presence in the England pack. His brutal defensive hit on South African flanker Franco Mostert during the recent World Cup semi-final sent shockwaves through the sport, showcasing his ability to dish out punishment with his imposing frame.
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Despite the heartbreaking loss to the Springboks, Martin’s performance was hailed as a defining moment, with England’s World Cup-winning team manager Richard Hill describing him as a “good, old-fashioned Leicester forward.”
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Martin, who has operated at both blindside flanker and lock, has embraced the physicality of the game, stating, “The physicality of the game is the best part. You have to embrace the physicality and enjoy it.” The young forward has been compared to legendary England captain Martin Johnson, another Leicester stalwart known for his imposing presence and hard-nosed style of play.
As Martin continues to make his mark on the international stage, his unassuming off-field persona has only added to his growing legend, with the rugby union star content to let his performances on the pitch do the talking.
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