Ethan Waller: Northampton prop follows brother into retirement - 'Quite poetic we get to finish together'

Northampton Saints prop Ethan Waller has announced his retirement from rugby - just 24 hours after his brother Alex revealed he will also quit the game.

The 31-year-old will call time on his career at the end of the 2023/24 season.

He has played over 100 times for the club, with those appearances amassed over two stints at Franklin's Gardens.

But with sibling Alex revealing on Tuesday that he will hang up his boots, the younger Waller says it's the right time to bow out.

"I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I would have been a professional athlete," he told the Saints' website.

"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 from my career.

"I’ll never forget that incredible game away at Leinster in 2013, winning the Premiership Rugby Cup with Worcester, all the European away trips, and socials with the team-mates I get to call my friends.

"Rugby has given me everything I've ever wanted, and although I'm sad to call it a day, it's the right time to do so."

Ethan Waller, who has also been chair of the Rugby Players Association since 2021, made his Northampton debut in 2012 after graduating from the club's academy system.

He quickly became a fan favourite at Franklin's Gardens, but made the move to Worcester in 2017.

Five years later, though, he rejoined the Saints and is hoping to sign off with some silverware in his final season.

Phil Dowson's side currently sit top of the Premiership table as they chase a first title in a decade, while they are sill competing in the European Champions Cup.

"Alex, it’s been a privilege to share our careers," Ethan Waller continued, as he paid tribute to his brother.

"I’m glad I got just as much chance to play against you, as I did with you. You’ve got more records than a radio station and you’ve earned every one!

"It’s quite poetic we get to finish together, and I’m looking forward to latching you into the sunset, hopefully with some silverware in hand."

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