George Kruis and Maro Itoje, the second-row pair who were so integral to England’s grand-slam triumph, have signed contract extensions with Saracens.
“Krutoje”, as they became known during the RBS Six Nations Championship in February and March, have committed to Saracens until the summer of 2019, following Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola and Jamie George, their England team-mates, in signing new deals with the Aviva Premiership champions.
Itoje’s rise has been remarkable. Still only 21, he made a spectacular impact when he broke into the England team during the Six Nations, including a man-of-the-match display against Wales in only his second start.
Alongside him, Kruis, 26, established himself as an international second row of the highest order, prompting Eddie Jones, the England head coach, to predict