Former England captain Jamie George is to retire at the end of 2027 after agreeing a one-year contract extension with Saracens.
Former England captain Jamie George is to retire at the end of 2027 after agreeing a one-year contract extension with Saracens.
George is to complete the 2026-27 season for the Prem club before retiring later that year to move into a new career in the "business world", a club statement said.
The 35-year-old has been capped 105 times by England and captained his country during 2024 before acting as vice-captain to Maro Itoje.
The hooker has also been selected for the British and Irish Lions on three tours and made more than 300 appearances for Saracens, having spent his whole career at the London club.
"I have always been very open and honest and I wanted to continue to do that with regards to my retirement," George said.
"I'm sure it seems early to be announcing this with another season to go, but I want to make sure I soak up every moment of my final season - I am more motivated than ever to finish my career at Saracens in a successful way."
George made his international debut in 2015 and has won three Six Nations titles with England - including a Grand Slam in 2016 - and was also part of the squads that reached the World Cup final in 2019 and semi-final in 2023.
And with a World Cup in Australia in autumn 2027, George faces the prospect of being able to end his career there if all were to go to plan.
He was capped by the Lions during the tours to New Zealand in 2017 - starting all three Test matches as they drew the series - as well as South Africa in 2021, before being called-up to last summer's squad in Australia as an injury replacement.
At club level, he joined Saracens' academy as a 14-year-old and made his debut in 2009 before becoming a regular in their front row through their era of dominance.
He has gone on to win six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups, with their most recent trophy the league title in 2023, while he stayed with Sarries when they were relegated to the Championship in 2020 following salary cap breaches.
George made his 300th appearance for the club in January 2025 and has featured seven times so far this campaign.
George added that it had been an "absolute honour to live out my childhood dreams".
"I have created so many special memories and I have no doubt that there will be plenty more to come," he said.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall - who has worked with George since the start of his career - said he had been "central" to everything the club has done over the years.
"Club legend doesn't even begin to do justice to the extraordinary contribution that Jamie has had at Saracens," McCall said.
"He has been central to all the good things that have been achieved over the years. Equally, his loyalty to the club, particularly when it was most needed, is something we will never forget.
"Jamie's patience, especially in his early years, his competitive spirit, rugby IQ, talent and inner drive have all led to one of the great careers."
Category: General Sports
