Kruis calls time as a winner in Japan

FORMER ENGLAND lock George Kruis has bowed out with another winner’s medal after helping Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights to the inaugural League 1 title in Japan.

Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights defeated Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath 18-12 in the play-off final to provide Kruis with an appropriate finish to a multi-decorated career.

“I have been very fortunate to win a few titles in my career,” said Kruis, who won five Premiership and three European Cup winner’s medals in his time at Saracens.

“For me, it is a significant one because it is my final game. I am aware that not every player gets to finish in a final and not every player gets to finish still liking rugby and still be fit. But I have managed to walk away in my own time and with a trophy and a good lot of memories that I can be proud of.”

Kruis has much to be proud of from his two-year spell Japan which finished with him unbeaten in 23 appearances in a Wild Knights’ jersey.

A popular figure with the fans, Kruis was also included in the League One Team of the Season.

The 32-year-old has loved his time in Japan and draws parallels between Saracens and the Wild Knights.

“When I was 27/28 I knew I wanted to experience something different and when I came over for the World Cup, I loved it,” he said.

“I’ve had a brilliant time and I am very grateful to Panasonic. They are a team much like my old club Saracens where they look after you unbelievably well off the field and that goes a long way to ensuring the player cares about the club

“I think that is where culture is made, that is where teams are made. It is just a brilliant indicator of how healthy a club is. Part of me will always call this home.”

Kruis says he leaves behind a country that is on the up in both club and Test rugby. He added: “It (club rugby) is improving at an incredible rate and that shows in their national team as well.

“I think in all they (the Brave Blossoms) are becoming a smarter team and every season they get more and more depth which is very exciting,

“The likes of Dylan Riley and Jack Cornelsen are unbelievable players and Australia will be gutted they are not available for selection for them.

“It is a country on the up, for sure.”