George Furbank has endured a harrowing two-year stretch of misfortune that has sidelined him from 20 consecutive England Tests, a run of bad luck so severe that teammates and fans have jokingly suggested he consult a witch doctor. The 30-year-old full-back’s career prime has been derailed by a cascade of physical setbacks, beginning with a broken arm in December 2024, followed by a concussion and a persistent calf injury that refused to heal. His frustration reached a peak in July when he was named in the No 15 shirt for England’s clash with South Africa, only to be rushed to hospital for an emergency appendix removal, forcing him to spend matchday in a Johannesburg hospital rather than Ellis Park.
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Despite the apparent cosmic misalignment, Furbank rejects the narrative of bad luck, insisting on a mindset of self-reliance and control. When asked if he believes in luck, the England star paused before stating, “Not really. It’s pretty cliche but I think you make your own luck.” This stoic response highlights his professional maturity, as he refuses to let external factors or superstition dictate his mental state. By focusing on what he can control, Furbank aims to break the cycle of injury that has kept him on the sidelines during a critical period for the national team.
The key takeaway from Furbank’s recent interview is his unwavering determination to return to the top of his game despite the statistical anomaly of his absence. With 20 Tests missed, the pressure to reclaim his starting spot is immense, yet Furbank’s calm demeanor suggests he is mentally prepared for the challenge ahead. As England looks to rebuild its backline, Furbank’s return will be pivotal, and his ability to “make his own luck” may be the defining factor in whether he can overcome this unprecedented run of bad fortune.
Source: Yahoo Sports
