George Kruis is a professional Rugby Union

Rugby union

Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...

 player for Saracens F.C.

Saracens F.C.

Saracens are a professional rugby union team based in St. Albans, England – although they play their home games at Vicarage Road, in Watford. They are currently members of the Aviva Premiership, the top level of domestic rugby union in England...

 in the Aviva Premiership.

He was born in Guildford, Surrey and was educated at St John's School, Leatherhead. He played all of his youth rugby for Dorking RFC.

His primary position is as a Second Row, but he is also able to play at Blindside flanker (No. 6) or at Number 8. He is almost always used as a jumper in the lineout due to his height and athleticism.

At (1.98 m) and (112 kg) Kruis is a sizeable man but is remarkably athletic and agile which debatably sets him apart from others. His fitness and speed are incredibly impressive for his stature and position.

Kruis is eligible to play for Canada as his dad, Leo, is Canadian.

Youth Rugby

Kruis was a relatively late developer in both physique and rugby terms, not really coming into his own until his Sixth Form years at School. In the Spring of 2007 Kruis and his fellow Dorking RFC U17 teammates, including current Harlequins Number 8 Chris York, won the U17 National Cup beating Altrincham Kersal in the Final at Sixways Stadium, Worcester. He continued his rapid ascent and enjoyed an exceptional season for the St John's, Leatherhead 1st XV in the Autumn/Winter 2007, being selected to captain Surrey U18s. With some strong showings for the County he impressed enough to gain selection for London and South East U18s in the annual Divisional tournament at Broadstreet RFC. He started every game in the Second Row, Captaining and scoring three tries in the final fixture against South West U18s. He narrowly missed out on England U18s honours.

2008-09 Season

After completing his A Levels, gaining 3 A grades, he was offered a trial with Saracens in the summer of 2008. Having played in the A League fixtures, Kruis impressed and was kept on until the end of the 2008/09 season. He was also duel registered with Barking RFC during this season. Later in the season he agreed a 2 year professional contract covering the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons. He joined Saracens full-time from 1 July 2009.

2009-10 Season

2009/10 was Kruis's season where he really prospered under the trust shown in him by the Saracens staff. He made his debut in November 2009 in the LV= Cup against Northampton Saints and was the standout player for the Saracens Storm (A Team) being awarded the Saracens Storm Player of the Year. To cap this season off he made his debut for England U20 in the 2010 U20 RBS Six Nations coming off the bench against Italy and Ireland respectively. He was then selected in the England U20 World Championship squad that travelled to Argentina. He played in all five games, starting three (Ireland, France, South Africa) and coming on as a replacement in two (Argentina, Australia). England lost in the Semi Finals to Australia and ended up coming 4th overall having lost to South Africa in the 3rd/4th playoff. Kruis was also duel registered with Barking RFC again.

2010-11 Season

The 2010/11 season was one where Kruis saw continued first team action, making his premiership debut against London Irish in the London Double Header. Kruis also made his Heiniken Cup debut playing in both the home and away fixtures against Racing Metro. This promising season was put on hold when Kruis fracture-dislocated his right wrist playing in a Saracens Storm match in early January. After surgery and a prolonged period of rehab he made a comeback in April playing for Bedford Blues in the culmination of the Championship season and the British and Irish Cup Final. Kruis also signed a new deal with Saracens.

2011-12 Season

After a strong pre-season and with the Rugby World Cup in progress, Kruis has now grown into a secure first team player at the North London club. He has already made 9 first team appearances in the 2011 season to date (End of November 2011) underlining his growing reputation within Saracens and England.

External links

• http://www.espnscrum.com/england/rugby/player/105489.html
• http://www.saracens.com/news/first-team-squad/view.php?Id=311