Aviva Premiership
Paul Diggin to retire from rugby
ESPN Staff
May 14, 2014
Paul Diggin has called time on his rugby career © Getty Images
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Northampton Saints winger Paul Diggin will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Diggin, 29, made 148 appearances for the Saints and ran out in their 2011 Heineken Cup final against Leinster. He crossed for 62 tries in total and will now continue his duties within the club's academy coaching staff.

"I grew up wanting to play for the Saints and to pull on the black, green and gold and run out in front of the fans at Franklin's Gardens has been a dream come true," Diggin said. "The support I've had from the terraces has been superb throughout my career and I'd like to thank all the Saints supporters for their backing.

"But time has to move on and I'm delighted to be a part of the academy coaching team, working with Mark Hopley, Dusty Hare and the rest of the coaches and support staff to bring through our next generation of players. We've got some exciting talent coming through, and hopefully I can help them develop as players and know what it means to play for the Saints. I'd like to thank Jim Mallinder and Dusty Hare for the opportunity."

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder paid tribute to Diggin, saying: "Paul has always given 100% regardless of whether he has been playing in the first team, Wanderers or Sevens teams.

"Every squad needs home-grown players, especially at a club like Northampton, and Paul knows exactly what the club means to himself and to the supporters in the stands. He has a lot of experience and knowledge that he can pass on as an academy coach, and I'm delighted that he is staying at the club in that capacity."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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