England lock George Kruis to retire at end of season

England international George Kruis has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

The 31-year-old made his England debut in 2014 and has gone on to represent them in 45 Tests including eight appearances in the 2015 and 2019 (reached the final) World Cups. He also enjoyed a Grand Slam and Six Nations titles with the red rose team.

Kruis' club debut came with Saracens in 2009 and has gone on to make close to 200 appearances for them while winning four Premiership titles and three Champions Cups in the process.

He is currently associated with Panasonic Wild Knights and will quit his playing career at the conclusion of the Japanese League One season.

“That was 100 per cent my goal. A big goal of mine would have been to represent my country again. It’s a huge decision not to try for all those things,” said Kruis to The Times.

“I wouldn’t play for another UK club apart from Sarries. I’ve taken a few months thinking this over.

"I’ve been very lucky to still have some really good offers on the table, whether it’s in Japan or some clubs back home, but I need to cut my career short as there’s such an opportunity off-field.”

“The amount of good times – whether it be trips or trophies, relationships built; that’s the biggest thing I will treasure.”