Thriving in Japan, Kruis may still eye World Cup

While the sun rises in Japan these days for George Kruis, the tantalising thought persists it may not have set fully on his England career, with the 2023 World Cup on the horizon.

The lock closed the door on international rugby when he left England in 2020 to take up a contract with Saitama Wild Knights, then bolted it in February when he announced his imminent retirement – or so it seemed.

Despite the 32-year-old being “very content with my decision” as he pivots to entrepreneurial interests, the case for an encore in France next year is compelling.

All he will admit to for now is a willingness to “approach those what-ifs in four weeks’ time”, because first his Japanese club have business to take care of.

Anyone who thought Saracens were dominant – Kruis helped the English side to four Premierships and three European Cups in a decade – should see the Wild Knights’ record.

Kruis has yet to lose a competitive match in two seasons there, and wants to carry his winning habit through two more regular-season rounds and the play-offs in Japan Rugby League One.

Life in the Far East appeals to a growing number of top players, judging by the messages he receives from afar.

“There’s a lot of interest from Europe,” he said. “With salary cap issues and uncertainty around Covid-19, there’s been more transition for players and interest in what else is out there, whether it’s Super Rugby or Japan. Players can experience something different then come back and play for their country.”

The examples of All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick only raise the plausibility of Kruis adding to his 45 England caps when he leaves Japan this summer – even as his focus shifts to fourfive, the wellness company he founded with fellow lock Dominic Day.

“I’ve got a very good off-field opportunity with fourfive that I can’t ignore any longer. At the moment it’s a no, but never say never.”

England’s 2023 Pool D opponents include Japan, who Kruis feels retain a “surprise factor”. A gauge of that could come this July, when the Six Nations-winning French visit for two tests.

Long before facing the Brave Blossoms, England host the Barbarians – who have sounded out Kruis – this June. Even if Kruis avoids that word “never”, it could be a memorable way to head for the rugby sunset.