Former Saracens and England forward George Kruis has announced his retirement from all rugby on his 32nd birthday to concentrate on his business commitments.
Kruis currently plays for Japanese side Saitama Wild Knights and will hang up his boots at the end of the current Japanese league season.
Kruis won 45 caps for England and went on to represent the British and Irish Lions.
Kruis, who announced his decision 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.
“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.
“fourfive.com gives me the opportunity to stay connected with my extended rugby family as a large part of what we do, beyond nutrition and wellness, is to help with player transition from professional sport to life after sport, something that my 13 years at Saracens and 7 years as an RPA representative installed in me.”
Kruis is currently out of the England set up and has opted to not try and regain his place in time for the 2023 World Cup in France.
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.