FORMER Southend loanee Jamie George will be among the England World Cup squad gunning for glory.

The 24-year-old Saracens hooker spent time at Warners Bridge during the 2008-09 season to experience senior rugby for the first time.

And Southend centre Chris Vaughan vividly remembers being impressed by George’s skills “At the time he was playing for us we had about five or six Saracens academy boys playing for us and for me he stood out,” said Vaughan.

“He had an outstanding side step on him for his size and could outpace most backs!

“He stood out as someone that could go on and play a high level of rugby but didn’t think I would be watching him in a World Cup if I’m honest.”

George worked his way through the ranks on his return to Saracens and scored a fine try in their Premiership final success against Bath at Twickenham last season.Echo:

Chris Vaughan - lined up alongside World Cup stars Jamie George and Mike Stanley at Southend

George will now be bidding for more of the same in the World Cup but he will not be the only ex-Southend player in action.

Fly-half Mike Stanley, who had two separate spells with the club, has been selected in the Samoa squad for the tournament.

And Vaughan, who also played alongside Stanley at Warners Bridge, has not been at all surprised by his progress since leaving the National Two South club.

“Mike is another one who you could tell had the talent to play a top level of rugby,” said Vaughan.

“He is one of those annoying players who looks like he’s got all the time in world when he has got the ball in his hands.

“He made things look easy.

“But he’s still a very good friend of mine so I happy to see him doing so well and wish him all the best in the World Cup!”