‘My time here has been amazing’

Published 26/03/2024 at 13:26 GMT

Prop Alex Waller will call time on his rugby career after this season. The 34-year-old has made 370 appearances for the Saints after making his debut in 2009. Waller scored the extra-time try that won Saints their only Premiership title in 2014. Saints, who are second in the Gallagher Premiership, play Saracens on Friday evening, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Alex Waller of Northampton Saints

Image credit: Getty Images

Northampton Saints’ record appearance holder in the professional era, Alex Waller, will retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old prop has played 370 times for Saints, where he came up through the academy to make his debut in 2009.

Waller won the Premiership title with Saints in 2014 and captained the team for three seasons from 2018 to 2021.

“Staying a one-club man is something I’m really proud of and hopefully, I’ve been able to give Saints supporters some fond memories over the years.

“To be able to captain my boyhood club was a real highlight of my time here, and I’ve been so fortunate to play alongside some greats of the game and to have played so many games for this incredible club – it has by far exceeded my expectations.”

Waller scored the extra-time try that won Saints their only Premiership title in 2014 as they beat Saracens in the final.

He also captained Saints when they won the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2019.

Saints’ director of rugby Phil Dowson, who played alongside Waller for six seasons, says the prop will be a “big miss”.

“He is not only a very good player but more importantly a very good person,” said Dowson.

“He cares about his team-mates, he cares about this club, he cares about the game. You can tell that in the way that he plays, and what he’s put himself through over the years.

“He’ll be a big miss for us as a squad and we’ll welcome him back any time. But most importantly, we wish him, and his family, all the best with what comes next.”

Saints are currently top of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table, two points ahead of second-placed Bath.

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