Ben Youngs Announces Retirement from Professional Rugby
England’s most-capped male player, Ben Youngs, has confirmed that he will be retiring from professional rugby in June after an illustrious 18-year career. The 35-year-old scrum-half has made a record 127 appearances for England, and has also played for Leicester, the Barbarians, and the British & Irish Lions.
According to a report by The Guardian, Youngs has been a one-club man throughout his career, making his debut for Leicester as a 17-year-old in 2007. He has since played 332 matches for the Tigers, winning five Premiership titles and finishing as runner-up on three occasions. As The Guardian notes, "Youngs has been a one-club man since his Tigers debut as a 17-year-old in 2007 but, at 35, will hang up his boots at the end of the current Premiership season."
Youngs has also had a distinguished international career, appearing in four World Cups and touring Australia with the Lions in 2013. He was also selected for the 2017 Lions squad, but withdrew from the tour of New Zealand for family reasons. As quoted in The Guardian, Youngs said, "It’s a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously I’m sad at the thought it’s coming to an end but I’m excited about the rest of this season [and] what this group can do."
Youngs’ longevity and success can be attributed to his dedication and hard work, as well as his ability to adapt to the demands of the game. As The Guardian reports, "His class can be gauged by the dozens of rival scrum-halves who struggled to dislodge England’s ‘squadfather’ from his starting role." Youngs has been a key player for both club and country, and his retirement will be felt by his teammates and fans alike.
Despite speculation that he might have been tempted to conclude his career abroad, Youngs said that playing for any club other than Leicester would have felt wrong. As quoted in The Guardian, he said, "It’s all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I’ve wanted to know. The idea of playing against this club wasn’t ever an option for me. To be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements."
Youngs’ father, Nick, also represented Leicester and England, and between them, the Youngs family have made 692 appearances for the Tigers. As The Guardian notes, "It has been some journey, one that has taken him from the family farm in north Norfolk to the world’s biggest stadiums without diminishing his love for the game."
There is still a possibility of one more trophy for Youngs and Leicester, who have enhanced their chances of a playoff spot with their recent resurgence. If they beat Harlequins at Welford Road on Saturday, they could yet add to their collection of silverware. As quoted in The Guardian, Youngs said, "I’m not done, let’s not write the obituary just yet. The time will come to thank everybody who has helped me achieve what I have but that’s for when it comes to an end. For now it’s about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success."
Source: The Guardian
