Northampton Saints today announced that Club legend Dylan Hartley has retired from professional rugby with immediate affect.
Hartley, Saint #1808 and the longest-serving player at the Club, retires at the start of his 15th season at Franklin’s Gardens with 251 appearances and eight years as captain to his name in Black, Green and Gold.
The Rotorua-born front rower is also England’s second-most capped player of all time, having turned out for the Red Rose on 97 occasions and led the side for 30 Tests as captain.
And it was only a matter of seconds before an out-pouring of well-wishes came from the hooker's friends, teammates and supporters alike.
A legend. A leader. A Saint.
— Northampton Saints 😇 (@SaintsRugby) November 7, 2019
Today one of our all-time greats hangs up his boots.@DylanHartley, it’s been a privilege 🙏🏼
#1808 😇
Hartley was quick to thank those that had shaped his career over the years.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Dylan Hartley (@dylanhartley) on
And the 251-time Saint's teammates, both past and present, had nothing but praise for Hartley.
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.
— Will Hooley (@will_hooley) November 7, 2019
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
View this post on InstagramA post shared by James Haskell (@jameshask) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tom Wood (@woodbyname) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Courtney Lawes (@bigcourts89) on
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
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The wider rugby community wasted no time hailing the 33-year-old's career too.
A tribute to former England captain @DylanHartley, who has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 7, 2019
➡ https://t.co/NJtDA3ekuT pic.twitter.com/nCOOOGKpkF
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.
— The RPA (@theRPA) November 7, 2019
Good luck with the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/VYLvCCxqV7
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
And Northampton supporters alike thanked the 14-year Saint for his contribution to the Club.
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
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