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George Kruis: England and Saracens lock to move to Japan at end of season
May 25, 2020
England and Saracens lock George Kruis will join Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year contract at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old British and Irish Lion has been at Sarries, who were relegated to the Championship for salary cap breaches, for 11 years.
The move calls into question his international future.
Kruis said it had been a difficult decision but that he was "extremely excited" about the move.
He said: "Although this has clearly been a tough decision, I am extremely excited and honoured to take on this new challenge and chapter in my career, joining [former Australia coach] Robbie Deans and the team at Panasonic Wild Knights at what is a really exciting time for rugby in Japan following the tremendous World Cup they hosted last year."
The Rugby Football Union does not select English players based overseas other than in "exceptional circumstances" but earlier this year said it would not rule out England selection for Saracens players who move abroad.
Kruis, whose contract comes with the option to extend for another year, is not the only player moving from Britain to Japan.
Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes is set to join the Wild Knights too , while former England fly-half Freddie Burns is going to Shokki Shuttles.
Kruis has made almost 200 appearances for Sarries and has won 45 England caps since making his international debut in 2014, including an appearance in last year's World Cup final.
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