Alex Waller says he is not getting carried away with his time in the Saints first team, despite becoming the first player to pass 100 consecutive appearances in the Aviva Premiership.
Waller became the record holder midway through last season when he hit 88, but by becoming the league’s debut consecutive centurion he earned himself plenty of plaudits, not least from former England international prop and now BT Sport pundit, David Flatman.
However the man himself says while he is delighted to reach the milestone it was just another day at the office.
“I had no idea until I was told after the game,” he told SaintsTV. “I’m just thrilled to be involved that much; I’ve been a bit lucky with injuries, and hopefully that can continue in the future. I don’t do anything different to anyone else, it just so happens that I’ve been involved.
“I love playing every second for this club and here’s to a hundred more! We’ll have to see though.”
Waller had a half-hour of action in the Aviva Premiership win at Bath, helping lay the foundation for JJ Hanrahan’s match-winning penalty and continuing where younger brother Ethan had left off in another outstanding performance from the pack.
Mikey Haywood and Teimana Harrison were alongside Ethan in the starting line-up, and while director of rugby Jim Mallinder was full of praise for Alex’s attitude and ability on and off the pitch he also said that it was important that the Saints’ other young forwards received recognition.
“Alex is a great bloke to have in our squad,” he added. “He’s got durability and a sense of humour, and it’s not just what he does on the pitch it’s what he does in the community, where he gives all the time.
“He’s now one of the best props playing at the moment in the Aviva Premiership.
“But Ethan wants that first team shirt as well. He’s playing well and it’s good to have the competition to aim at.
“All of our young lads are stepping up. You never know what’s going to come up, which players are going to be selected for the Six Nations or how injuries are going to affect us. We’ve got to keep that going.”
The Saints head back into the European Rugby Champions Cup for the next fortnight, playing French heavyweights Racing-92 in Paris next weekend and then at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday, December 18th.
Tickets for that game are available now at www.tinyurl.com/SAI-RAC-1516 and by using Print@Home supporters can both save themselves the admin fees and beat the match day queues.
