SportyTV | Former England captain George sets retirement date for 2027

Former England captain Jamie George has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the 2026-27 season, having signed a one-year contract extension with Saracens.

George has won 105 caps for England and captained the team throughout 2024, before relinquishing the role to Maro Itoje and serving as vice-captain.

He has helped his country win three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016, while finishing as World Cup runners-up in 2019 and bronze medallists in 2023.

At club level, George is a three-time Champions Cup winner and a six-time Premiership champion, all with boyhood club Saracens, who handed him his debut in 2009.

On Wednesday, the club confirmed George had penned a one-year deal to run through the 2026-27 campaign, which will be the last of his career.

And should the 35-year-old keep his place in the England setup, he could bow out at the 2027 World Cup, which runs between October and November in Australia.

"It means a lot to me that I will be retiring a one-club man. Supporting Saracens is what made me fall in love with the sport," George told Saracens' website.

"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."