England lock George Kruis announces decision to retire

England lock George Kruis has decided to abandon his ambition to play in the next World Cup, in order to pursue a business career.

The 32-year-old former Saracens stalwart will retire in May, at the end of the current Japanese league season with Saitama Wild Knights. He won 45 caps for his country and represented the Lions. 

He will finish his playing days with medals and memories from his part in a Grand Slam and another Six Nations triumph, four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup conquests.

Opting to give up on any chance of earning an England recall in time for the 2023 World Cup was something Kruis agonised over.

'That was 100 per cent my goal,' he told the Times. '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.' 

There have been approaches and offers to return to the Premiership but he added: '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.'

Despite being at Saracens during the era of the salary cap breaches, he looks back with fondness on his spell at the north London club, saying: 'The amount of good times - whether it be trips or trophies, relationships built; that's the biggest thing I will treasure.'