Ex-England fullback Ben Foden announces end of Saints career

Ben Foden's 250th Northampton Saints appearance will be his last at the Aviva Premiership club.

The former England fullback, 32, announced his decision to leave Franklin's Gardens on Thursday morning, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year spell in Northampton when he leads Saints out against Worcester on Saturday.

Foden joined Saints from Sale as a Premiership winner in 2008, and went on to lift a further league title in 2014 while also helping the club to Challenge Cup success that year and in 2009.

He also won 34 caps for England and played at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, scoring two tries. Foden has since been linked with a move to Major League Rugby in the U.S.

I have loved every minute of my journey as a Saintsman over the last ten years. There have been highs and lows which I've shared with guys I have formed friendships and brotherhoods with forever. Northampton has given me so much over the years and I'm thankful to everyone at the club for making my time there special. To all the fans, there is no place like Franklin's gardens when you guys are in full voice and the stadium is rocking, something I'm sure I'll miss when moving on. Thanks for always sticking by me and the team the last couple of seasons haven't been the best but stick with the team and hopefully we will see them rise to the top once again as it's a team full of talent and ambition. My next chapter isn't clear just yet, but things are in motion and I'm excited to see what's round the corner for me. Again thank you to everyone who has ever supported me whether in Black green and gold or the white of the red rose - it's been a journey to say the least. Let's hope we can end the season on a high with a big performance on Saturday as I celebrate 250 and out! #onceasaintalwaysasaint #thankyou #COYS #onelasttime #fodesfarewell

A post shared by Ben Foden (@ben_foden) on May 3, 2018 at 2:25am PDT

"I'm honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Northampton Saints almost 250 times," Foden said.

"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."