Walmsley extends with the Saints

England international prop Alex Walmsley has signed a one-year contract extension with St Helens, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of the 2027 season!

A modern-day legend of the Saints, Walmsley has been one of the very best forwards in the world of Rugby League and has served the Club with distinction.

This contract extension will take Walmsley into his fifteenth season of service for the Saints, with the 6-foot-five destructive middle creating countless memories from his barnstorming runs for so many of our supporters across the globe.

To date, 'Big Al' has played 322 times for the Red V, scoring 56 tries for a total points tally of 224 so far.

Boasting a trophy tally that few props could rival in the modern era, Alex has been helped bring home; five Super League championships, four League Leaders’ Shields, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge.

Selected last autumn for England in The Ashes test series against Australia, Walmsley featured in all three tests to take his caps for the national side up to nine. He has also four appearances for Great Britain to his name too

Speaking about the news with saintsrlfc.com, Walmsley said: “I’m really excited! 15 years, I’ve been here for such a long time now and it is home. To be here for another year is exciting I'm just happy to remain a part of a club that's so close to my heart.

“I am coming to the end in one aspect, but at the same time I feel I've still got so much I can offer to the Club, to the team, and to Super League as well. I wouldn't re-sign if I didn't think I was still capable of playing to a standard of what I expect of myself and what this club expects of its players. I still feel really good and still feel I can impact the game in a real strong manner.

“When I played for England at the end of last year, I thought I impacted the game really positively in the Ashes. It also reaffirms to me that I'm still good enough to go around the block and keep doing what I do.”

Walmsley is keen to continue in his responsibility as a mentor for the young Saints forwards that we have in our ranks, to help them progress into leading men for the Red V.

“It's great being a senior player, not only do I have to impact the game and the team on the field, but I also have to help the young lads coming through. I try to use some of my experience that way.

“I'm really excited with George [Delaney] and Noah [Stephens] and seeing how they progress because I think everyone can see how talented they are, and how much they can offer our team.”

In an expression of gratitude to the Saints’ faithful supporters, Walmsley added: “It's such a special and humbling feeling to be able to pull on this jersey.

“Ever since I made that trip over the Pennines on the M62 fourteen years ago, they have almost adopted me as a St Helen-er. I very much feel like one of them, I love it, and I'll never get bored of that feeling. Hopefully I'll always enjoy it, and I'll try to stretch it out for as long as I can.”

St Helens Head Coach Paul Rowley commented Walmsley’s extension: “I’m delighted Alex has extended his stay at the Club. He’s a popular character on and off the field, and a really valued and experienced member of our squad.

"In my short time here at St Helens, I've really enjoyed working with Al, he's a great lad. And I think I speak on behalf of everybody here when I say that this news is fantastic.”