England’s most capped men’s player, Ben Youngs, is retiring after the World Cup third-place play-off against Argentina this Friday.
Youngs, aged 34, will earn his 127th England cap in this tournament’s first start. He has been overshadowed by Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet in the England lineup.
The scrum-half made his Test debut in March 2010 under then-captain Steve Borthwick.
“I feel incredibly proud to have done it for this long,” Youngs said.
“It has taken a huge amount of effort to do it for 13 years. It’s just fitting and it feels right, and I feel so privileged to be able to play and walk away on my terms.
“You see some players have it finished for them. I’m ready to do it. I have always had this focus of getting to this World Cup and I never felt that after this World Cup I would need to carry on.
“I look forward to playing club rugby and supporting this team from a distance, but it’s been a great ride.”
Return to roots:
Although set to continue plying his trade for Leicester, the playmaker is already planning to move into the family farming industry once his career comes to an end.
He is set to join his brother Tom, who announced his retirement from rugby back in May 2022 to care for his wife Tiffany, who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma back in 2014. Tiffany tragically passed away in June of that year.
Tom said: “Last time I did a full harvest at home was 19 years ago and I was on grain cart and now I am combine driver and loving it. Thank u all for all the kind messages over the last 2 months.
“I have no regrets and, looking back, am proud of what I have achieved at the only club I ever wanted to play for. There has always been a connection to the club, with dad playing for Tigers, and I have memories from an early age of hearing about what that was like for him and what it meant to him.
“To be able to do what I have done, alongside my brother and after my dad, is just magical. I couldn’t have written it any better.”
Partner in crime
Ben and Charlotte, the latter a Cosmetic Nurse at The Hospital Group, are believed to have connected at a charity event for veteran medical professionals in London. Married in 2015, they’re parents to Boris and Billie.
Charlotte expertly manages work, motherhood, and backing her husband, Leicester Tigers scrumhalf Ben Youngs
Rugby Quiz:
The 30 best rugby players in the world have been ranked
#30. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
A rising Irish hooker known for his powerful scrummaging and dynamic play in open field. Sheehan’s agility and tackling prowess make him a vital asset in set pieces and loose play alike, hinting at a promising future in international rugby
#29. Owen Farrell (England)
England’s steadfast captain and fly-half, Farrell’s tactical brilliance and accurate kicking guide his team’s gameplay. Renowned for his leadership, his defensive grit and ability to control the game’s pace make him a linchpin in England’s rugby strategy.
Wales Online wrote: “The 31-year-old has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently but is a player you’d rather play with than against. Farrell is a natural leader of men, and will play a crucial role if England are to drag themselves out of the rut they find themselves in.”
#28. Thibaud Flament (France)
A versatile lock for France, Flament’s towering presence in the lineout and ferocious work rate define his style. With his strong carrying and breakdown skills, he is a force to be reckoned with in both set-piece dominance and open-field encounters.
#27. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)
Frizzell’s imposing physique and aggressive ball-carrying mark him as a formidable All Black flanker. His offloading ability, coupled with his defensive prowess, cements his position as a player who consistently makes his presence felt on the field.
#26. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
An anchor of the Springboks’ scrum, Kitshoff’s experience and technical expertise are unmatched. His exceptional work rate and relentless tackling contribute to his reputation as a reliable front-row stalwart, key to South Africa’s forward dominance.