Thursday 3 May 2018 11:01, UK
Full-back Ben Foden is leaving Northampton Saints at the end of the season after 10 years at the club.
Saints confirmed via their website that the 32-year-old will be making his final appearance for Northampton this Saturday against Worcester Warriors.
Foden said: “I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Northampton Saints almost 250 times.
"I’ve enjoyed some incredible highs at this club over the last 10 years, winning trophies both in this country and across Europe.
"I want to thank all of the teammates and coaches that I have worked with in that time, as well as wishing everyone that is staying here all the best for the future.
“I’m also so grateful to the club’s supporters, who have been behind me right from the beginning and made me feel loved every time I ran out at Franklin’s Gardens, and I leave with memories of them that I will cherish forever.
“I still feel fit and hungry for competitive rugby, and while now is the time to move on, I am really excited for what the next chapter holds in store for me.”
Foden’s 250th appearance for the club will come a decade after joining Northampton from Sale Sharks.
He helped them win the European Challenge Cup in the 2008-09 season, and again in the 2013-14 campaign. That year, they won the double - the Challenge Cup and the Aviva Premiership title.
The England international also won 34 caps between 2009 and 2013.
Interim head coach Alan Dickens praised Foden, saying “Fodes has been a remarkable player for both Northampton Saints and England.”
“We’ll miss having him around Franklin’s Gardens, both in terms of what he offers on the pitch as a player and a leader, but also as a character in the dressing room.”
