Ethan Waller: Northampton prop follows brother Alex in announcing retirement

Ethan Waller started his career at Northampton Saints in 2012

Northampton Saints prop Ethan Waller has opted to follow his elder brother Alex into retirement at the age of 31.

A day after Alex Waller announced his retirement, at 34, Ethan has also said he will end his playing career at the end of the season.

Waller has made 124 appearances for Premiership leaders Saints in two spells, either side of five years with Worcester Warriors.

He has also been chair of the Rugby Players Association since 2021.

"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," he said.

"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."

Waller, who signed his first professional deal with Saints in 2012, moved to Sixways in 2017 but returned to Franklin's Gardens in 2022, prior to Warriors running into the financial problems that caused their collapse.