Ben Youngs, who holds the record for the most appearances for England’s men’s team, is set to conclude his international career following the World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina on Friday.
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The 34-year-old scrum-half will earn his 127th cap for England when he starts against the Pumas in his first appearance of the tournament.
Youngs currently ranks below Alex Mitchell and his Leicester team-mate Jack van Poortvliet in the pecking order for the England squad.
This weekend’s Bronze Final match against Argentina in Paris will be Youngs’ last as an England player. He will retire with 127 caps, more than any other male player in England Rugby history. As he prepares to take to the field for one last time, Youngs reflects on his been a record-breaking career.
“I feel unbelievably proud and privileged to have done this for so long,” he said. “The memories and teammates I’ve made along the way, as well as all the highs and lows, have helped shape me into the person I am today.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to have been given support from my family and the England fans as well. I’d like to thank you all very much for getting behind the team, for cheering us through the good times and for picking us up through the bad times.
“It’s a great honour now that I get to play one more game on Friday night and close a chapter that I’m very proud of.”
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England team to play Argentina:
15. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 29 caps)
14. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 25 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
11. Henry Arundell (Racing 92, 9 caps)
10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 111 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 126 caps)
1. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
2. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 32 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 75 caps)
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 24 caps)
Replacements:
16. Jamie George (Saracens, 84 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)
18. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 106 caps)
19. David Ribbans (Toulon, 9 caps)
20. Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 24 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 95 caps)
22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 90 caps)
23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)
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NIGEL OWENS: MY TOP 5 CAPTAINS
#5. Chris Robshaw (England)
The flanker is a former English rugby union player who captained the national team from 2012 to 2015.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw’s dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Off the field, he is admired for his philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support various charitable causes.
Owens said: “Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch.”
