Northampton Saints' stalwart prop, Alex Waller, will hang up his boots at the conclusion of this season, marking the end of an illustrious rugby career. Having debuted in 2009, Waller, now 34, has amassed an impressive 370 appearances for the Saints, etching his name in the club's history books. Notably, Waller played a pivotal role in securing Saints' sole Premiership title in 2014, scoring the crucial extra-time try in the final against Saracens.
As the record appearance holder for Northampton Saints in the professional era, Waller's retirement announcement signals the end of an era for the club. Graduating from the Saints' academy, Waller has been a loyal servant to the team, donning the black, green, and gold jersey with pride for over a decade. Reflecting on his time at the club, Waller expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his boyhood club and captain the team from 2018 to 2021, cherishing the memories made alongside teammates and supporters.
Waller's contributions to Saints' successes, including their Premiership triumph in 2014 and Premiership Rugby Cup victory in 2019, underscore his invaluable presence on and off the field. Saints' director of rugby, Phil Dowson, lauded Waller's impact, highlighting not only his exceptional playing abilities but also his unwavering commitment to his teammates and the club. Dowson emphasized that Waller's departure leaves a significant void within the squad but wished him and his family well in their future endeavors.
Despite Waller's imminent retirement, Northampton Saints currently sit at the summit of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table, a testament to their strong performances throughout the season. With a crucial fixture against Saracens looming on the horizon, Saints will look to honor Waller's legacy by delivering another standout performance on the field. As Waller bids farewell to professional rugby, his indelible mark on the sport and the club will endure, leaving behind a rich legacy for future generations of Saints players to emulate.
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