England and Saracens lock George Kruis will join Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-year contract at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old British and Irish Lion has been at Sarries, who were relegated to the Championship for salary cap breaches, for 11 years.
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live “this is not international retirement”.
Kruis said it had been a difficult decision but that he was “extremely excited” about the move.
The Rugby Football Union does not select English players based overseas other than in “exceptional circumstances” but earlier this year said it would not rule out England selection for Saracens players who move abroad.
Kruis told BBC Radio 5 live he had “spoken to his coaches” at international level and made it “nice and clear what my plans are”.
England head coach Eddie Jones said: “We had some discussions about his club rugby and I think this offers him the opportunity for a different rugby and cultural experience which will allow him to continue to grow and develop as a player and as an individual.
“George is a tough, well-respected member of our team and I respect his decision.”
Asked if he would only rejoin Saracens if he returned to England, Kruis replied: “Yes. It would have to be.”
In a separate statement, Kruis said: “Although this has clearly been a tough decision, I am extremely excited and honoured to take on this new challenge and chapter in my career.”
Kruis, whose contract comes with the option to extend for another year, is not the only player moving from Britain to Japan.
Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes is set to join the Wild Knights too, while former England fly-half Freddie Burns is going to Shokki Shuttles.
Kruis has made almost 200 appearances for Sarries and has won 45 England caps since making his international debut in 2014, including an appearance in last year’s World Cup final.
England number eight Billy Vunipola has already confirmed he will stay at Allianz Park along with fellow internationals Jamie George and Elliot Daly, while Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola are yet to commit.
Joel Kpoku, Saracens’ 20-year-old lock, has extended his contract with the club until 2022.
He has scored three tries in 26 appearances since making his debut in October 2018.
Analysis
BBC Sport rugby union correspondent Chris Jones
Kruis won’t be selected for England while playing in Japan, but he is keen to stress this is a curtailing of his international career, rather than an ending.
He will only be 31 or 32 when he returns home, and given he will not play as much rugby in the Top League as he would normally in England, the move could prolong his career.
But with Premiership clubs feeling the pinch, a gig in Japan may appear more and more tempting for players in the future, especially if Premiership pay cuts become permanent.
This could throw up a dilemma for the RFU, who have stuck to their policy of not selecting those based overseas; a rule which has had the desired effect of keeping star names at home.
However, if they were to start to bend the policy to accommodate Kruis or anyone else, they might as well scrap it altogether.
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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