George Martin

George Frederick Martin (born 18 June 2001) is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for PREM Rugby club Saracens and the England national team. Between 2019 and 2026 he played 80 times for Leicester Tigers.

Early life Martin was born in Nottingham, and grew up mostly in Loughborough. His father worked as an accountant. He attended Rawlins Academy in Quorn, Leicestershire where he was selected for England's under-16 rugby union team. He then attended Brooksby Melton College where he was selected for England's under-18 side. and in April 2019 captained at the under-18 Six Nations Festival. Martin was part of Leicester Tigers two successive under 18 league titles.

Club career In July 2019 Martin signed his first professional contract for Leicester Tigers. On 21 September 2019 Martin made his first team debut for Leicester in a Premiership Rugby Cup fixture against Worcester Warriors. He spent a period of time during the 2019–20 season on loan at Leicester Lions, playing 4 times. On 7 July 2020 he signed a new contract with Leicester. He started in the semi-final victory over Ulster. He was not selected for the final which saw Leicester lose against Montpellier to finish runners-up.

Martin was named player of the match after their opening game of the 2021–22 Premiership Rugby season, a 34–19 victory over Exeter Chiefs. He ended the season playing in the final as a replacement and making the penultimate carry before Freddie Burns' 80th minute drop goal which won the match to make Leicester champions. Later that year on 28 September 2022 Martin extended his contract at Leicester.

In December 2025, Leicester confirmed Martin would be leaving the club at the end of the season to join Saracens.

International career On 1 January 2021 Martin was selected for England under-20s squad for the 2021 U20 Six Nations, then on 22 January 2021 he was named in coach Eddie Jones' "Shadow squad" for the senior 2021 Six Nations Championship. Martin was named as a "finisher" for the England match against Wales, but was not used.

On 20 March 2021, Martin made his England Test debut in the last round of the tournament against Ireland, coming on as a replacement for Billy Vunipola in the 64th minute in a 32–18 defeat.

On 5 August 2023 Martin started his first international, a Rugby World Cup warm up match against at the Millennium Stadium. On 7 August 2023, Martin was named in England's squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He came off the bench as a substitute during their quarter-final victory over Fiji and started the semi-final elimination against champions South Africa.

List of international tries

4 July 2026 Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

2026 Nations Championship

Injuries and body management Martin has experienced knee and other injuries, and is cognisant of longevity in his body management.

Honours Leicester Tigers PREM Rugby: 2021–2022