Northampton Saints hooker Tom Cruse to retire at end of season

Northampton Saints hooker Tom Cruse has announced that he will be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

Cruse began his career with local club Stockport before joining Sale Sharks Academy. He made his senior debut for Sale in 2012 and also played for Rotherham Titans and London Irish.

However, the majority of his career was with Wasps having played for them between 2016 and 2022 during which he racked up 114 appearances scoring 21 tries. He also went on to win the club’s Players’ Player of the Season award for his efforts in the 2017/18 campaign.

“Now is the right time to announce my retirement from professional rugby,” said Cruse to the club's official website.

“I’m eternally grateful to Northampton Saints for extending a lifeline after the unfortunate demise of Wasps.

“I have loved my time here at Saints, met some amazing people, and learned valuable lessons which will no doubt help me as I move into a new chapter.”

After a brief stint with Edinburgh, the 35-year-old moved to Northampton in 2022 and has made 14 appearances for them since then. He also started for them in last season's Premiership semi-final.

“Tom came in here at a time when we needed some cover at hooker, and what people won’t necessarily realise from the outside is how good he is with the group," said Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson.

“He’s such a fantastic leader, somebody who always put the team first, and he has tonnes of experience which he’s been happy to pass on to the younger players.

“Tom is a great Saints man who puts the team first, and whenever he gets the chance to play, he goes as hard as he possibly can and has put in great performances for the Club.

“We’ll miss him around the camp, and of course wish him and his young family all the very best for the future away from rugby.”