Wed 27 Mar 2024 | 03:23

Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

Northampton Saints brothers Alex and Ethan Waller have both announced their impending retirements at the end of the current season. The players have a combined 494 appearances for Northampton Saints in a professional career that has spanned over 15 years and 12 years respectively.

Alex Waller has been a mainstay in the Northampton Saints' first team ever since his debut against Ospreys in 2009, most famously known for his match-winning, extra-time try in Saints premiership final win in 2014.

He has two England Saxons caps, and despite having never achieved a full international cap he has appeared in uncapped matches against both the Crusaders in the summer of 2014 and the Barbarians in 2015.

Announcing his retirement just a day before his brother, Alex Waller said:

"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.

"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, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Alex Waller of Northampton Saints scores their team's sixth try during the Investec Champions Cup match between Northampton Saints and Aviron Bayonnais at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on January 12, 2024 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Ethan Waller announced his retirement today, just a day after his 34-year-old brother, after two spells at Premiership leaders Saints. The 31-year-old said:

"I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined I would have been a professional athlete, so I'm really proud to have called this a job for over a decade,

"I've made some of the very best friends and memories. I'll never forget that incredible game away at Leinster in 2013 and winning the Premiership Rugby Cup with Worcester.

"Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors have been two incredible clubs, with even better people behind the scenes.

"I remember sleeping on my brother's floor back in 2010, anxious about what my rugby future would hold. The time has flown by, and it's been a good run. And I had the privilege to share my career with Alex. I'm glad I got just as much chance to play against him, as I did with him."

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Ethan Waller of Northampton Saints takes on Irne Herbst (L) and George Hammond during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Harlequins at the cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on November 24, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)