Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped male player, has announced that he will retire from professional rugby in June after an illustrious career spanning 18 years. The 35-year-old scrum-half, who has made a record 127 appearances for England, will conclude his playing days at the end of the current Premiership season. His decision marks the end of a remarkable journey that has seen him play over 500 senior games for Leicester, England, the Barbarians, and the British & Irish Lions.
A one-club man throughout his career, Youngs made his debut for Leicester at the age of 17 in 2007 and has since become one of the club’s most iconic figures. He has appeared in 332 matches for the Tigers, contributing to their success with five Premiership titles and three runners-up finishes. His commitment to Leicester, where he has spent his entire career, is a testament to his loyalty and passion for the club.
On the international stage, Youngs has represented England in four World Cups and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, playing alongside his brother Tom. Although he was selected for the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand, he withdrew for family reasons. His impact on the England team has been significant, with his long-standing place as the first-choice scrum-half until 2023. Throughout his career, Youngs has faced fierce competition for the No. 9 shirt, particularly from players like Danny Care, but his consistency and leadership have ensured his continued selection at the highest level.
Born in Norfolk, Youngs comes from a rugby family. His father, Nick, also played for Leicester and England, and together, the Youngs family has made 692 appearances for the Tigers. Ben’s journey from the family farm to the world’s biggest rugby arenas is a story of dedication and hard work.
Although his path to the top was not always straightforward, with setbacks in his early years, Youngs’ resilience and determination helped him overcome challenges. He made his England debut in 2010 against Scotland and has since become one of the most respected figures in rugby. His longevity in the sport is a testament to his physical and mental toughness, as well as his ability to adapt to the evolving demands of professional rugby.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Youngs remains focused on helping Leicester achieve further success. The team’s resurgence in recent weeks has put them in contention for a playoff spot, and Youngs is determined to end his career with one final trophy. He has expressed mixed feelings about retirement, acknowledging the sadness of leaving the game but also the excitement of finishing his career on a high. His commitment to Leicester and his desire to finish the season strongly show his unwavering dedication to the sport and his team.
Despite speculation that he might have been tempted to play abroad, Youngs has made it clear that the idea of playing for any club other than Leicester never appealed to him. His entire rugby career has been tied to the club, and finishing as a one-club player is one of his proudest achievements. His decision to retire from rugby will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Leicester and in the world of international rugby.
As Youngs prepares to retire, his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. His leadership, skill, and loyalty to his club and country have made him one of rugby’s greats.
