Northampton prop Ethan Waller to follow brother Alex into retirement

Northampton Saints loosehead prop Ethan Waller has announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the season, a day after his brother Alex confirmed the same decision.

The 31-year-old, three years younger than his brother, has amassed 124 appearances for the Saints across two spells, as well as 118 appearances for Worcester Warriors during a five-season stint sandwiched in the middle of his career.

Since 2021, the Saints academy product has served as chair of the Rugby Players' Association.

“I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I would have been a professional athlete, so I’m really proud to have called this a job for over a decade,” he said in a statement on social media.

“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 teammates 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. I moved back to Northampton for my family, and it feels fitting that the journey should end where it started.”

“I want to thank both Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors – two incredible Clubs, with even better people behind the scenes. To get more than 100 caps for both teams is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

“Thanks also to the RPA, who have been an incredible organisation to work with and are such an important asset to the game. Thank you for being a safety net for all players and to all my colleagues throughout that time.

“Alex, it’s been a privilege to share our careers. 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.

“I remember sleeping on my brother’s floor back in 2010, anxious about what my future in rugby would hold. The time has flown by, and it’s been a damn good run – here’s hoping we can end this season on an all-time high with Saints.”