Saracens full-back Alex Goode confirms retirement plans

Saracens’ veteran full-back Alex Goode has confirmed he is to retire after the club’s final game of the season.

The 37-year-old, who clocked up his 400th appearance for his boyhood club earlier this month, will hang up his boots following Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath at the StoneX Stadium.

Goode has won six Premiership titles during a lengthy career spent almost entirely with Sarries.

He also earned 21 England caps, featured in the 2015 World Cup and was named European Player of the Year in 2019.

His only spell away was a one-year loan stint at Japanese club NEC Green Rockets after Saracens were relegated for salary cap breaches in 2020.

Goode, a graduate of the Saracens academy, told the club’s website: “Nothing prepares you for this moment, it’s overwhelming – the emotions, gratitude, pride, sadness.

“After 19 incredible seasons wearing the Saracens jersey, I am saying goodbye.

“Saracens has been home for my whole adult life and helped me grow as a person. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have the privilege of playing for my country and representing this club over 400 times.

“To do something you love and call it a job is unique, and I feel so lucky for that experience.”

With Kevin Sorrell shortly departing the club, a vacancy has arisen as backs coach at Saracens, and Goode is being tipped to fill it.