Premiership club try to tempt George Kruis out of retirement

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 at 08:41

byRugby Rucker

Saracens are attempting to lure former England lock George Kruis out of retirement, according to a report from The Rugby Paper.

'We believe he was asked to extend his career' says their report.

The 32-year-old, who made 134 appearances for the men in black previously, hung up his boots at the end of last season after playing for the Barbarians against England and signed off by kicking a back heel conversion.

He's currently committed to running FourFive, which is a CBD and vitamin company he founded with former Sarries teammate Dom Day.

Kruis, who announced his decision to retire earlier this year said via his sports nutrition company's website fourfive.com, said: "My rugby career has been amazing, the friends and experiences I have made will shape the rest of my life.

"I have always given 100 per cent to everything I do and right now I'm planning on my focus being 100 per cent on building the fourfive.com brand when I finish with Saitama Wild Knights in May."

Kruis won four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups during his 11 years at Saracens before leaving to join Japanese side Wild Knights for the 2020/21 season.

He was also a part of two Six Nations triumphs for England, including the Grand Slam in 2016, after making his debut for his country against New Zealand at Twickenham in 2014.

Read the full story from The Rugby Paper here.

“Still unemployed” – 4 England internationals who are free agents – and where they might end up

We take a look at five England internationals who are still free agents after being released by their respective clubs at the end of the 2022/23 Premiership season.

#1. Mike Brown

Age: 36
Position: Fullback
Caps: 72

Four clubs remain in contention to sign the former England fullback following his departure from Newcastle Falcons.

Brown, who has already revealed he will pursue a career as an agent when he hangs up his boots, is being lined up as a potential replacement for Simon Hammersley at Sale after the fullback quit.

Ealing, Worcester and French club Agen also remain in the race for the experienced speedsters signature.

Mike Brown of Harlequins celebrates with the trophy on his final day as a Harlequin during the Gallagher Premiership Cup Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium June 26, 2021 in London, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Luther Burrell

Age: 32
Position: Centre
Caps: 15

32-year-old centre Burrell is also weighing up his options after he was released by Newcastle Falcons. There's no word currently on where he might end up.

Luther Burrell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Semi Final Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on May 25th 2019, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#3. Marland Yarde

Age: 30
Position: Winger
Caps: 13

Despite his departure not being officially announced, Yarde’s player profile has been removed from Sale Sharks website

Sources in Australia have informed The Rugby Paper ‘that the former England flyer has signed up with an Aussie agent to look for opportunities to further his career.’

The 30-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2013 and 2017, hasn’t played for his current club Sale Sharks since January 7, when he played 62 minutes of the defeat at the hands of Bristol Bears.

He made nine appearances for the Sharks, scoring two tries this season and also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

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#4. Danny Cipriani

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Caps: 16

The 34-year-old announced earlier this year that he intends to move abroad after his only season at the Rec but could yet extend his playing career in the United States, France or Japan.

Despite the Dallas jackals being the early favourites to land the 16-cap fly-half, that move has since stalled according to The Rugby Paper.

They report that Cipriani ‘is waiting on an offer from Japan before he decides on what is likely to be the last move of his career.’

Danny Cipriani of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground on 5 March 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK