Northampton Saints prop Alex Waller to retire at end of season

Northampton Saints have announced that veteran prop Alex Walker will be retiring from professional rugby at end of the ongoing season.

A product of Northampton Academy, Waller made his professional rugby debut in 2009 and has racked up 370 appearances for the club. He was part of the Saints side that won their only Premiership title in the 2013/14 season.

He captained the club for three seasons between 2018 and 2021 and helped them lift the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2019.

“It’s difficult to put into words what Northampton Saints means to me,” said Waller to the club's official website.

“I’ve been involved with the Club since I was 14 years old, it’s been a massive part of my life.

“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."

Northampton are at the top of the Gallagher Premiership table with nine wins from 13 matches.