Foden’s Northampton farewell brings yellow card and a try
Northampton gave Ben Foden a happy send-off as the former England fullback brought the curtain down on a decade at the club.
The 32-year-old, capped 34 times, received a yellow card after just two minutes, but also scored a try on his 250th and last appearance for the club.
Foden now has to decide on his next move, possibly to the new Major League Rugby in America. “This has been the best 10 years of my life and it’s a very emotional time for me,” he admitted. “I love this club and it will always be special for me. I wish them the very best for the future.”
Saints finish ninth but Worcester’s Will Butler, 20, had threatened to steal the limelight from “Fodes” on his first Premiership start.
While Foden was in the sin bin for a high tackle on flanker GJ van Velze, Warriors took full advantage. Butler surged over the line for two tries in the space of 11 frantic opening minutes. Fly-half Dorian Jones converted both.
Warriors were on the march with Saints wondering what had hit them.
Foden was again greeted to heroic cheers as he returned to the field once he had served his time, and Saints closed the gap when No8 Mitch Eadie touched down for a converted try.
Butler’s 29 minutes of magic ended in agony when he fell awkwardly in a tackle and was led off with an arm heavily bandaged.
Warriors endured the double blow of also losing influential scrum-half Francois Hougaard at the same time. The South African had to be carried off after also being hurt in contact.
James Grayson’s penalty before the break reduced the gap but, within seconds, England centre Ben Te’o crossed for the Warriors’ third try. Trailing 21-10, Saints took control and they soon led by a point as Foden burst over for a try.
Centre Nafi Tuitavake and wing Tom Collins followed suit, with Jones kicking a penalty for the visitors.
Warriors wing Josh Adams was sinbinned for deliberate offside before Saints replacement Stephen Myler had the final say with a penalty. He, too, is leaving Franklin’s Gardens.