Alex Waller: Northampton Saints prop to retire at end of season

After playing in 370 games over the course of 15 years at Franklin’s Gardens, the 34-year-old currently holds the record for the most appearances for the team.

Waller led Saints to victory in the 2019 Premiership Rugby Cup final and scored the extra-time try that secured the team’s lone league title in 2014.

Waller stated on the club website, “I wouldn’t change anything about my time here; it’s been amazing.”

“I’m really proud of myself for remaining a one-club man, and hopefully over the years I’ve been able to bring some happy memories to Saints supporters.”

“One of the highlights of my time here was getting to lead my boyhood club, and I’ve had the incredible fortune to play with some of the greatest players in the world.

Waller – whose younger brother Ethan is also a Saints player – made two appearances for England Saxons in 2014 but never won a senior international cap.

Director of rugby Phil Dowson, who was a team-mate of Waller for six years, said he would be a “big miss” from the squad.

He added: “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 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.”

Waller is the fourth Northampton forward who will leave the club at the end of the season, along with