Northampton and England hooker Dylan Hartley has retired from professional rugby after failing to recover from a long-standing knee injury.
The former England captain, 33, has not played since December, missing his country’s run to the World Cup final.
Hartley won 97 Test caps and played 251 times for Northampton over 14 seasons.
Here is how social media reacted:
A legend. A leader. A Saint.
Today one of our all-time greats hangs up his boots.@DylanHartley, it’s been a privilege
#1808
— Northampton Saints
(@SaintsRugby) November 7, 2019
Thank you, Dylan.
One of England’s most capped players of all time, @DylanHartley, has retired from professional rugby: https://t.co/D9Qk4cgRgn pic.twitter.com/W39eXfS293
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 7, 2019
Congratulations to Dylan Hartley on an amazing career.
Often hated in Wales.
Which means you were an excellent player.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) 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
What can I say about the man the myth the legend that is @dylanhartley ? So much will be said about all his achievements and status within the game both with @SaintsRugby and @englandrugby and rightly so. For me… https://t.co/8kmsjD44tM
— Tom Wood (@tomwood678) November 7, 2019
Congrats mate on a fantastic and colourful career. Deserve all the plaudits coming ur way. Always remember how u took ur international initiation to a new level in the‘08 autumn.
— Nick Easter (@nick_easter) November 7, 2019
93% – Of the 15 tier 1 hookers to make 150+ lineout throws since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, @DylanHartley has the best throw success rate (93%). Arrows.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) November 7, 2019
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