| Birth name | George Patrick McGuigan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | (1993-03-30)30 March 1993 (age 32) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Northallerton,North Yorkshire,England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 110 kg (17 st 5 lb)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Gosforth Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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George Patrick McGuigan (born 30 March 1993)[2] is anEnglishrugby union player who plays forGloucester inPremiership Rugby. His position isHooker and has representedEngland Saxons as well as Ireland U18s, U20s on several occasions. Between 2016 and 2018 he played 35 times forLeicester Tigers.
McGuigan was born inRichmond, North Yorkshire and first played rugby for Richmond' High School, before moving to Newcastle to further continue his rugby career atGosforth Academy. McGuigan was part of theNewcastle Falcons academy scheme which saw several Falcons academy players link up with the school to continue their studies and academy training during post-16.
He became a member of the first team squad after joining the club professionally in 2011. On 4 February 2014, McGuigan signed a two-year contract extension with Newcastle until the summer of 2016.[3] In February 2016, McGuigan signed a contract to joinLeicester Tigers from the 2016–17 season.[4]
On 21 April 2018, McGuigan re-signed with his hometown clubNewcastle Falcons from the 2018–19 season.[5]
On 12 December 2022, McGuigan left Newcastle with immediate effect to join Premiership rivalsGloucester on a long-term deal.[6] On 17 March 2024, McGuigan suffered a severe injury to his hamstring during thePremiership Rugby Cup final againstLeicester Tigers.[7]
On 20 March 2025, McGuigan departed Gloucester by mutual consent.[8] Later that day, it was confirmed he joinedOspreys Rugby on a short-term contract.[9]
After successfully completing trials in 2010 McGuigan was selected to represent the Ireland U18 squad.
On 1 February 2013 McGuigan made his debut against Wales, creating several try-scoring opportunities as well as injuring himself in the process, only to carry on and make a match saving tackle in his own final third.
McGuigan was called up by England Saxons for their 2016 tour to South Africa where he played two matches from the bench.[10][11]
In June 2022 he was called up byEddie Jones to join a training camp with the seniorEngland squad.[12]
