Jamie George to retire in 2027 after final Saracens season

Former England captain Jamie George has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2026–27 season after signing a one-year contract extension with Saracens.

The 35-year-old hooker will finish his career as a one-club player, having joined Saracens as a 14-year-old and gone on to make more than 300 senior appearances. George has earned over 100 caps for England and has been a central figure for both club and country for more than a decade.

George made his Saracens debut in November 2009 and has since played a key role in six Prem title wins and three European successes. At international level, he debuted for England in 2015 and featured in multiple Six Nations title-winning campaigns.

He represented England at three Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 final, and was part of three British and Irish Lions tours.

He captained England during the 2024 Six Nations before stepping aside later that year, with Maro Itoje taking over the role. Despite remaining an important figure under Steve Borthwick, George has now decided that the upcoming campaign will be his final season in the professional game.

"It means a lot to me that I will be retiring a one-club man. Supporting Saracens is what made me fall in love with the sport," said George.

"Having joined the club as a 14-year-old, this club has not only shaped me as a player but more importantly as a man and I will be eternally grateful for everything that the club has done for me.

"I have always been very open and honest and I wanted to continue to do that with regards to my retirement.

"I'm sure it seems early to be announcing this with another season to go, but I want to make sure I soak up every moment of my final season - I am more motivated than ever to finish my career at Saracens in a successful way.

"It has been an absolute honour to live out my childhood dreams. I have created so many special memories and I have no doubt that there will be plenty more to come."