Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dylan Hartley: Former England captain announces retirement from rugby

He hangs up his boots as 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

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 07 November 2019 12:59 GMT
Comments
Dylan Hartley has announced his retirement from rugby
Dylan Hartley has announced his retirement from rugby

Former England captain Dylan Hartley has announced his retirement from rugby.

The 33-year-old has been unable to recover from the knee injury that has kept him out of action for both Northampton and England throughout 2019.

He hangs up his boots as 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.

Hartley also made 251 appearances for the Saints and spent eight years as their skipper.

“I am extremely proud of my journey, both with Saints and representing England, but now is the right time to hang up my playing boots,” Hartley said upon announcing his decision.

“The last few months have been difficult for me both mentally and physically as I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am no longer able to compete, but I have to thank all the staff at Saints who have all invested so much time in helping me with my rehabilitation, in particular S&C coach Eamonn Hyland.

“I have loved my journey in rugby. I came to England as a teenager hoping to get a few games of rugby and to see the world. I could have never predicted that one day I’d play 14 years for such a special club and go on to represent and captain England.

Northampton Saints has been more than just a club to me. It has been a place that has provided me with direction, purpose, a sense of family, home and belonging; and ultimately a community that I was so proud to represent every time I got a chance to play for Northampton.

“My career wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m privileged to have experienced some amazing highs while there have also been some personal lows, all of which are powerful experiences that will stay with me forever. The final chapter of my career was supposed to go a different way, but that is the nature of professional sport.

“I would not have been able to achieve what I have without the support of my wife Jo, my family, my friends and my teammates. To them all, I am incredibly grateful for their love and unwavering support."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in