George Kruis

Career Success

George has had considerable success in both his club and international rugby careers. In 2020 he moved to Japanese side Saitama Wild Knights.

George started his career at Saracens in 2009 and played a significant part in the club becoming the dominant force in English and European rugby. During his time at the club, they won the Premiership title four times (2015,2016, 2018, 2020) and the European Champions Cup three times (2016, 2017, 2019).

His success at club level inevitably led to international recognition and George has won 45 caps for England, played in two World Cups, and was selected for the British & Irish Lions on their 2017 tour of New Zealand.

Talking about his career achievements, George says, ‘There are clear achievements such as trophies and playing for your country, but by far the biggest achievement I have had from my career is the journey itself. In danger of sounding too soppy, for me, it’s been the opportunity to have spent the last 13 years playing with a group of friends and how that has moulded me as a person.’

‘My rugby club, Saracens, installed an amazing off-field learning programme early on in my career which in turn encouraged me down the path of going to the University of Hertfordshire. At Herts I studied a varied business management course. This part of my journey gave me a genuine passion for business and in 2018 another rugby player and myself set up a wellness brand called FourFive which is a huge part of my life now. The company is picking up some good pace stocking in big retailers such as Boots, Next, and Lloyds, so when I finish my career I will be going into this full time. As a professional athlete, this period of transition can be one that is pretty tough so I am in a lucky position that I will be dragged out of rugby earlier into another profession.’

Life at Herts

‘For me, the best bit about Herts was the varied group of people I met. Although there are improvements being made, in rugby there can be a lack of diversity. Working in groups and studying alongside people with different cultures and backgrounds gives people key skills to understand different perspectives. This I think is something that Herts did very well. Also, the fish and chips on a Friday were spot on!