England legend Ben Youngs reflects on ‘great ride’ as he looks to ‘finish on a high’ at Rugby World Cup
England scrum-half Ben Youngs at training.
Retiring England international Ben Youngs admits it’s “been a great ride” playing for his country as he bows out after the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final.
Youngs has been named as a starter for the Red Rose’s last fixture of the 2023 tournament as he runs out in the number nine jersey for what is his 127th cap.
He’s played in a remarkable four Rugby World Cups and will bring down the curtain on a glittering career that also saw him go on a British & Irish Lions tour.
Right decision
Youngs makes his first start of this year’s tournament and had zero regrets about hanging up his boots at international level when speaking ahead of the game.
“There’s not a part of me that thinks ‘what if’ – I’m absolutely making the right call,” he said as he starts alongside Owen Farrell as England‘s half-back pairing.
“It just feels right. I feel so content. The fact I had this in my head for a long time and then I didn’t hesitate about it makes me realise that it’s absolutely the right decision.
“I’ve also got a young family and all the bits that come with that. So it’s just the right time. I will go back and play my club rugby and I look forward to doing that.
“I’ve got great memories, it’s been a great journey. The 13 years goes like that (clicks fingers). It will be nice to finish on a high on Friday.
🗣️ "This will be the last game I play for England."
Ben Youngs, England's most-capped men's player, has announced his retirement from international rugby.
🌹 What an incredible career! 👏@benyoungs09 | @EnglandRugby pic.twitter.com/pgGOkxK7TG
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 25, 2023
“I will miss the adrenalin of running out in front of a full stadium. I’ll actually miss the pressure of big games, when everything is on the line. I’ll miss the build-up to the week, when it’s a big week with your team-mates.
“And I’ll also miss that camaraderie – the common goal of trying to achieve something special within an elite group.
“But, equally, I’ll look back very fondly and very content. One door closes and another one opens.”
Youngs, who said his career highlight was their 2016 series win over the Wallabies, also revealed that head coach Steve Borthwick thanked him for his service.
Debut in 2010
The boss was actually Youngs’ skipper when the scrum-half made his Test bow as a replacement for injured wing Ugo Monye against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2010.
“I remember (assistant coach) Mike Ford running up and the touchline telling me what to do. It was 15-15. Steve was my captain,” Youngs recalled.
“Ugo went off on a stretcher, he was absolutely fine and he played the next week. He was like that character from Jerry Maguire! The game has changed a lot.
“When I got that first one I didn’t think I would be sitting here 13 years later and having the opportunity to end it my way. It’s been a great ride and I’m proud of it.”
