Saracens lose another club great who retires after 15 years at the top
Saracens wing Alex Lewington scoring a try.
Saracens have confirmed another departure from the Premiership club at the end of the season with Alex Lewington set to retire from professional rugby.
The lethal wing will call time on a career that has spanned 15 years at the top level and he will no doubt be hoping to sign off with domestic silverware at Twickenham.
Lewington, 32, started at Leicester Tigers in 2009 before moving to London Irish four years later. His time with the Exiles saw him really catch the eye with ball in hand and a move to Saracens would follow in 2018.
45 tries to date
He has played 130 times for the Men in Black, scoring 45 tries, and his 62 tries in the top flight make him the 12th top try scorer in the history of the Premiership.
The wing has enjoyed plenty of success at StoneX Stadium, helping the club win three Premiership titles, a European Cup in 2019 and he was part of the Championship promotion campaign in 2021.
He did not represent England at senior level but did feature for England Saxons on their 2016 summer tour to South Africa.
“All good things must come to an end!” Lewington said about his retirement decision.
“I’ve decided to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season. I can’t express what the sport has given me; friendships, purpose, happiness and the chance to live my dream.
“I’d like to thank Leicester Tigers, Nottingham Rugby, London Irish and Saracens. At Leicester I was brought into a professional environment which demanded I grew up fast and was a brilliant place to learn. Playing for my hometown team of Nottingham was very special to me and my family. London Irish gave me the chance to express and test myself in the Premiership and Saracens has shown me the highest levels this game can truly be played at. It’s where I’ve created a home.
“I’d like to thank my family for all the support they’ve given me. To my parents, thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams. Your unconditional love and support has meant the world to me. To my wife Laura, thank you for being an incredible sound board and locking things down at home when I’ve been away. Whether times have been good or bad, you’ve always had my back and I’m so grateful.
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“I’ve had the privilege of playing with some amazing players and meeting some brilliant people. There’s been so many amazing days on the pitch but I’ve also loved every second of everything that comes with it.
“With that being said, there’s plenty of rugby to be played over the remainder of this season and I’m looking forward to ripping in with this special Saracens group.”
Praise from Mark McCall
Director of rugby Mark McCall paid tribute to Lewington’s immense impact at StoneX Stadium as he wished the player and his partner “the best” for the future.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Lewy’s contribution to the club both on and off the field. An incredibly consistent performer week in week out and a teammate who was respected by everybody for his decency and loyalty,” he said.
“Alex will be missed by everyone at the club and we thank him for everything he has done. We wish him and Laura the best for what lies ahead.”