England hooker Jamie George to retire at end of next season

England hooker Jamie George will retire at the end of next season.

Three-time Lion and former England captain George announced his retirement after signing a new one-year deal at Saracens, where he made his senior debut in 2009.

The 35-year-old has won 105 Test caps for England and was a Six Nations title winner in 2016, 2017 and 2020 and has won the Gallagher Prem title six times with Saracens.

“It means a lot to me that I will be retiring a one-club man,” George told the official Saracens website.

“Supporting Saracens is what made me fall in love with the sport.

“Having joined the club as a 14-year-old, this club has not only shaped me as a player but more importantly as a man and I will be eternally grateful for everything that the club has done for me.

“I have always been very open and honest and I wanted to continue to do that with regards to my retirement.

“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.”

England Rugby paid tribute to George, posting on their X account: “The end of an era.”

George graduated from the Saracens academy to win six Premiership titles and three European trophies at the north London club.

He made his England debut in 2015 and has gone on to win 105 caps for his country.

George has captained both England and the British and Irish Lions, for whom he has toured with in 2017, 2021 and 2025.

“It has been an absolute honour to live out my childhood dreams,” George said. “I have created so many special memories and I have no doubt that there will be plenty more to come.”

Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall said: “Club legend doesn’t even begin to do justice to the extraordinary contribution that Jamie has had at Saracens.

“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.

“We are over the moon that Jamie will be with us for his final season and we all look forward to celebrating a true one-club man.”