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Itoje and Kruis loyal to Sarries

Itoje and Kruis both progressed through the Saracens Academy system.  

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Delighted with the contract extensions of the two players is Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

McCall said: "We are extremely happy that Maro and George have committed their futures to the club. Both are part of a core group of players who have progressed from the Academy to establish themselves as key players within the squad."

He further stated: "They have been in superb form this season for both club and country, they are only going to get better and better, and we are excited about them doing it here at Saracens.”

McCall commented on the players individually:"Maro’s progress over the last few seasons has been phenomenal. He has experienced a number of big games for the club already, has played for England and is still only 21 years old, which is incredibly exciting."

"In George, we have one of the finest lock forwards around, a player who has shown consistent improvement year on year and still has so much more to come." McCall said.

Maro Itoje’s rise from the Saracens Academy to England international has been enormous.

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Making his debut against Leicester Tigers in May 2014, he has gone on to captain Saracens to LV Cup glory and picked up a Premiership winners-medal in Saracens’ defeat of Bath at Twickenham in last season.

This season, Itoje has taken the international game by storm with a series of fine displays for England in the recent Six Nations championship.

Itoje has been with the Saracens since 14-years-old is really pleased with his decision to stay.

“I'm extremely lucky to call Sarries home and ’I'm delighted to extend my contract for three more years. It was an easy decision from the outset," Itoje said.

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He added: "The club is hugely ambitious and has been competing at the highest level for some time. As a player you want to be playing in the big games, and once again we are well placed in both the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup this season. Its a special club to play for and I'm really happy to be staying.”

The other signing George Kruis has become a cornerstone for both club and country in recent seasons.

Since graduating from the Saracens Academy alongside fellow teammates Owen Farrell, Will Fraser, Jamie George and Jackson Wray in 2008, Kruis has gone on to make 118 appearances for the north Londoners.

“Saracens is a club that is in my heart, and I didn't hesitate to sign a new deal to stay here, I owe so much to the Club and I am really looking forward to my future at Allianz Park." Kruis said.

He further emphasises the importance of commitments towards the Saracens.

"What really important to me is that as a young group of players we are all committing our futures to the club together. I'm playing alongside my best mates and working alongside them day-in, day-out and that means a lot to me." Kruis said.

He added: "We've already achieved so much as group of players and there’s still so much more to come from us, I'm delighted to be staying here.”

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