Hartley calls time on career: How social media reacted

A legend. A leader. A Saint.

Today one of our all-time greats hangs up his boots.@DylanHartley, it’s been a privilege 🙏🏼

#1808 😇

— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) November 7, 2019

View this post on Instagram

Fat lady singing means it’s time to take off the playing boots and limp off into the real world 🌍 It’s been a rollercoaster of a career, none of which I’d change as all the experiences have led to the man I am today 👣 Thank you to my wife @jojo_hartley_ family, friends, teammates, coaches for their support - all have invested time, energy and belief in me ❤️ @officialnorthamptonsaints have been the constant throughout my career, I can’t thank them enough for their unwavering support 😇 Supporters, fans, nauses, general rugby people, trolls. You’ve been great. I hope I made it interesting for you! 🤡 @englandrugby - thank you for giving a kid from Rotorua an opportunity to fulfil his dream. Never thought it would happen, so to play in the shirt for 1 game let alone 97 was an honour 🌹 Im truly excited (and nervous!) about what the future holds and can’t wait to see where I go next. Thank you.

A post shared by Dylan Hartley (@dylanhartley) on Nov 7, 2019 at 4:03am PST

Congrats @DylanHartley on an unbelievable career. True leader and deserve everything you achieved in the game. Pleasure to have been alongside you for some of it. #PonP

— Stephen Myler (@StephenMyler) November 7, 2019

Congrats on a great career @DylanHartley! Helped me massively over the years on a personal level. I’m sure you’ll smash whatever you do next!! #BigD pic.twitter.com/Q0YLsVwRjM

— Tom stephenson (@TomStephenson13) November 7, 2019

My professional career started at the Saints and was led by this man.

Simply one of the best leaders. From the academy to the first team he gave his time to the youngest. Pleasure to have played alongside with. A cruel way for it all to end. Total legend congrats @DylanHartley https://t.co/IWaVZRPWJE

— Will Hooley (@will_hooley) November 7, 2019

View this post on Instagram

Always sad to see a player retire, even more sad to see a good mate. @dylanhartley has been an amazing player, captain, team mate and friend. Nobody else could have led England like he did from the aftermath of 2015. He was an inspiration and worked harder than anyone. A Saints legend through and through. I wish him the best of luck in his next adventure. Love you mate.

A post shared by James Haskell (@jameshask) on Nov 7, 2019 at 5:01am PST

View this post on Instagram

What can I say about the man the myth the legend that is @dylanhartley ? So much will be said about all his achievements and status within the game both with @officialnorthamptonsaints and @englandrugby and rightly so. For me I’m just sad to see another of my mates have to step away from the field and changing rooms. Good luck with the next challenge brother, I know you’ll land on your feet whatever route you choose to take. #dylotine #shlid #hartleytours #superawesomesaintsSAS #bits #dits #captainchaos

A post shared by Tom Wood (@woodbyname) on Nov 7, 2019 at 6:02am PST

View this post on Instagram

Man I’m gonna miss running out there with you brother. Just want to say thank you for all the memories and experiences we have shared over the years It’s truly been my pleasure and honour to play beside you mate, you really are a legend. See you on the other side! (Of retirement 😂)

A post shared by Courtney Lawes (@bigcourts89) on Nov 7, 2019 at 6:06am PST

One of the finest players I had the privilege to play with @DylanHartley @SaintsRugby https://t.co/SqqABqnlAh pic.twitter.com/6Pebwbwzrh

— Neil Best (@Best6Analysis) November 7, 2019

View this post on Instagram

Congratulations on an amazing career @dylanhartley feel proud to have shared a field with you. A true professional but more importantly a good bloke. Enjoy your retirement.#sas#sorryforpunchingyouinthebackofyourheadgary#moisty 💯💯💯

A post shared by Gareth Denman (@gazdenz) on Nov 7, 2019 at 6:31am PST

A tribute to former England captain @DylanHartley, who has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

➡ https://t.co/NJtDA3ekuT pic.twitter.com/nCOOOGKpkF

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 7, 2019

sorry to hear of @DylanHartley retirement from rugby due to his knee injury. Tough competitor, a great servant to England, often wrongly judged by fans & media. Good guy, good fun, bloody good captain.

— Will Carling (@willcarling) November 7, 2019

Very best of wishes in your retirement and congratulations on a wonderful career. On the field you were challenging at times 😂😉but off the field your were a true gentleman, always pleasant and polite. Best wishes for the future

— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) November 7, 2019

Congratulations on the career @DylanHartley it’s been a hell of a ride. Enjoy the next chapter pic.twitter.com/0SigxhqaZC

— Chris Robshaw (@ChrisRobshaw) November 7, 2019

Congratulations to @DylanHartley for a phenomenal career for club and country.

Good luck with the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/VYLvCCxqV7

— The RPA (@theRPA) November 7, 2019

97 caps is some achievement @DylanHartley- good luck in your retirement from a stellar career.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) November 7, 2019

Congratulations to @DylanHartley on an amazing playing career. Enjoy your retirement, sir. pic.twitter.com/QGVaPmZ0a1

— Movember UK (@MovemberUK) November 7, 2019

A true leader and Saintsman. So disappointed for him that he couldn’t finish his illustrious career on the pitch. What he has achieved for Saints and England should never be underestimated, one of Saints and England’s greats.....thanks for everything Dyls 👏👏

— Jon Sleightholme (@JonSleightholme) November 7, 2019

An outstanding leader of the modern era, A gentleman and one of the best hookers of his generation.

— Spencer Barfield (@Spennie105) November 7, 2019

@DylanHartley sorry to hear you are hanging the boots up!! Great rugby career and hard as nails!

— Scottydog (@scottydog74) November 7, 2019

Great leader and supported my friends memorial match @DylanHartley - enjoy the retirement #1808 https://t.co/yfJjv4yRgG

— Steve Durning (@SDurning1) November 7, 2019

@DylanHartley sorry to hear you’ve had to retire bro ☹️ all the best for the future take care see you at the gardens sometime bro 👌👍😃

— Dirk campling (@campling_07) November 7, 2019

@DylanHartley thank you for your service to Saints and England, you sir are a true gent, good luck with whatever you do next👍

— Ann Kennedy (@AnnKennedy62) November 7, 2019

It’s a sad day for rugby today as @DylanHartley hangs up his boots.. There may have been controversy in your career but we’ve always had your back. You’ve been a true Northampton legend and it’s been a pleasure to watch you play over the years. @SaintsRugby will miss you!

— Kathryn Tucker (@KathrynTucker89) November 7, 2019