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England lock George Kruis has today announced, on his 32nd birthday, that after a successful 13 year career he will be retiring from professional rugby as he looks to turn his focus completely to FourFiveCBD.
Kruis will be ending his illustrious 13 year rugby career, which has seen him play for England, the British & Irish Lions and Saracens, at the end of this season in Japan.
The lock will be fondly remembered for his part in a Grand Slam and another Six Nations triumph, four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cup conquests.
“My rugby career has been amazing, the friends and experiences I have made will shape the rest of my life," said Kruis.
"I have always given 100% to everything I do and right now I’m planning on my focus being 100% on building the brand when I finish with Saitama Wild Knights in May.
'For me, I need to embrace my business and the opportunity it presents. I want and need to challenge myself to replicate my international standard off the field - and build the fourfive brand.”
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.'
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The other jobs of England’s best rugby players
Here are some of the jobs England's top players have away from rugby...
#1. JACK NOWELL - CLOTHES & PUB
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing
#2. JAMIE GEORGE - PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Carter & George practice clinic, which offers first-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, is the joint venture of George and experienced physiotherapist and best friend Rhys Carter.
#3. GEORGE KRUIS - FOURFIVECBD
It was from personal experiences with recovery from injuries that Kruis discovered cannabidiol (CBD) and from their positive reactions with the product he set up fourfivecbd – a range of balms, oils, gels and capsules that incorporates CBD. Their products are now sold in Next and on their website here.
#4. MARO ITOJE - PODCASTER
He launched the podcast series Pearl Conversations, which featured prominent Black role models. He is also a supporter of the educational charity The Black Curriculum, which is focused on introducing more Black British history into the UK curriculum.
#5. MANU TUILAGI - ALCOHOL
Making a Tuilagi Gin was often talked about in the early hours of the morning by the brothers after many gin and tonics. As there are fifteen players on the rugby pitch, they have added fifteen botanicals to their gin. Some of the botanicals they use in their recipe are; Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Sage, Thyme, Mac cloves, Lavender, Rose and Orange peel.
