Growing up in rural Shag Valley, just outside Waihemo in East Otago, George Bell first played for the Eastern Rugby Football Club in Waikouaiti. Having been a boarder in the John McGlashan College, Bell later joined the Lincoln University as he made it to the Crusaders academy. 

Interestingly, Bell made his Super Rugby debut before playing NPC rugby, in a 53-13 win against the Western Force in Perth. Bell also registered his first Super Rugby points with a try on the same night.