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Northampton Saints to lose another legend at the end of the season
By Josh Raisey
Northampton Saints’ record appearance holder in the professional era Alex Waller will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
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The prop has made 370 appearances to date for the club after making his debut in 2009, captaining the side between 2018 and 2021.
The 34-year-old scored the winning extra-time try against Saracens in the Premiership final in 2014, and will be after a second title this season with the Saints sat at the top of the Gallagher Premiership.
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Waller joins a host of Northampton greats in leaving the club at the end of the season, with both Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam moving to France.
Across his career, Waller has represented England in uncapped matches against the Crusaders and against the Barbarians the year later. He also made his first appearances for the Barbarians last year against the World XV.
“It’s difficult to put into words what Northampton Saints means to me,” said Waller on his club’s website.
“I’ve been involved with the Club since I was 14 years old, it’s been a massive part of my life.
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“My time here has been amazing, and I wouldn’t change any of it. 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.”
“You always want to leave the shirt in a better place than you found it, and I would like to think I’ve added my own flavour to it. 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.
“I’ve loved going on the journey with my brother Ethan too, playing with and against him. I want to congratulate him on his career, we’re all really proud of what he’s achieved as a player.
“But for now there’s plenty of rugby still to be played this season, and hopefully some more good memories to make. The first season I was properly established within the squad was when we won the Premiership in 2014, so if we were to finish up on another high it would be pretty poetic.”
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Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson added: “Alex has been a constant at this Club since I joined; he started off as an Academy kid and he has matured into a real stalwart here, breaking records for his appearances.
“He’s grown up in this environment and spent what will feel like his whole life at the Club – he is a true Saints man in that respect.”
“I count him as a good friend, we have always had a laugh and had a relationship where we can be honest with each other. One of the things I was so grateful for when I came back as a coach, going from playing alongside people to coaching them, was that people like Alex were so open and positive with it.
“He is not only a very good player but more importantly a very good person. He cares about his teammates, 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.”
Another special Saint to be celebrated. Big holes to fill next year.