The Ruck and Maul: Saints Fans Say Goodbye to Big Samu

It's always difficult to say goodbye to players who have been real servants to the club, but the loss of someone like Samu Manoa makes it much tougher. Since he joined in 2011, he was nothing short of excellent for the club and was the player everyone wanted to watch. Toulon are known for snapping up some of the world's best players, and Manoa is no exception to the rule. He is going to be missed by everyone, and it will be impossible to replace him.

When he signed for the Saints, only a very small number of people knew who the big American was, and barely anyone knew exactly what he was capable of. However, Jim and Dusty clearly saw something special in him, and how right they turned out to be. Life hadn't always been easy for Samu, but his love for rugby got him through it, and this love was more than apparent - right from the outset he put everything on the line for Northampton, and his big hits and excellent ball handling quickly set him apart from everyone else. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were blessed to be able to have him as part of the team, and so very lucky to have been able to sign him.

I want to take a quick look at some of the great things he achieved whilst at Northampton to put his amazing career in perspective: in his first season at the Saints (2011-2012) he made the ESPN 'Dream Team', showcasing just how quick he made an impact for the English side; then, in both the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 season, he was voted by the fans as the Northampton Saints Supporters' Player of the Year. Not only that, but in the latter season he was also short-listed, not only for the RPA Player's Player of the Year Award, but also for the Premiership Player of the Year. Finally, in December 2014, he was named Aviva Premiership Player of the Month. That is one staggering list of achievements, and he deserved every one of them.

I am sure everyone will have a specific big hit of Samu's in mind that they will always remember, and this is just one way his legacy will live on at the Saints. He will also be remembered for his tweets that are, for the most part, not at all understandable, his ability to score some amazing tries (after all, he did score two hat-tricks for the Saints during his time with them), and for his kindness to the fans. Below are some goodbye and good luck messages people wanted to pass on to Manoa, and I myself would like to say that it has been an absolute pleasure to watch him. He is absolutely world-class, and I wish him well for his time at Toulon.

Simon Badcock - Best wishes to Blockmonstah at your new club. You will always be welcome at Franklin's Gardens. A great Saints man who will be missed.
Liz Cochrane - Good luck to all the Saints players leaving the club. You all played a part in helping the team win the league this season.
Jason Cockerill - Good luck to a legend. It has been a pleasure supporting you.
Angela Collins - Good luck to you, you were a great Saints man. We will miss you, thanks for all your efforts. You helped us be what we are today.
Mary de Clifton - Good luck and the best to all our leavers. Be happy in all you do. Thank you for all your hard work. We will miss you.
John Dix - Don't be a stranger. Come back and see us soon. Once a Saint, always a Saint. Good luck.
Chris Harris - All the very best for the future. Thank you for all your efforts, the roles you've played on and off the field. You have been a great ambassador for the sport and the town. Once a Saint. always a Saint.
Alex Keogh - Thank you for pulling on that shirt and creating memories for all of us, good luck in the future in everything you do. Don't forget, you are always welcome back at the Gardens. Saints man for life.
Bernie Kilcullen - To all those leaving us, a massive thank you. It was a pleasure watching you play in green, black and gold.
Helen Mainprize - Samu, what can I say? Beast mode from day one, an absolute legend. Unbelievable skills, unbelievable sportsman. Never a dull moment when you're on the pitch. Best wishes for the future. You'll be missed.
Daphne Mann - Good luck with your new club, you will be missed.
Ben Masterman - Goodbye and good luck. Family comes first.
Sandy Masterman - You will be missed big man - bonne chance à vous et votre famille.
Dave Pittam - Thanks for the memories, stay healthy and good luck in all you do.
Jane Richardson - Good luck to you. May you have a successful and healthy career. You have been amazing for the club.
Simon Stacey - What can we say? A man mountain, a giant in the game. A man that can never be replaced and will be missed massively. It's been a pleasure watching you grow from an amateur player in the U.S to probably the best number 8 in Europe. I have enjoyed every hit, smash and try you have scored as part of the bash brothers with Courtney. Good luck big man and don't be a stranger, you are always welcome back at the Gardens.
Alan Wharton - Good luck to Phil and Samu in particular, and to all the others departing to pastures new.
Susan Wharton - Good luck and thanks to all who are going, especially Samu and Dows.

And just to finish, we have some fan photos that were sent in. He really was a favourite at the club, enjoy!