Rugby: England's Ben Youngs to retire after World Cup Bronze Medal Match
Ben Youngs is set to mark the end of his Test career this Friday, during the Rugby World Cup bronze medal match against Argentina.
Youngs, at 34, has become one of England's eminent players with a 13-year tenure in Test rugby.
Along this journey, he also has 127 Test caps to his name.
Owen Farrell, in acknowledging Youngs' impending final game for England, expressed a sentiment of pride, deeming it a significant week for the veteran player. Similarly, Steve Borthwick paid tribute to Youngs, commending his monumental contributions to English rugby.
Borthwick lauded Youngs as a remarkable team player and an invaluable asset to the squad, especially in mentoring rising talent like Alex Mitchell.
Youngs' debut for England dates back to the 2010 Six Nations, a momentous occasion where he graced the field against Scotland, initially in a wing position as a substitute for Ugo Monye. Since then, he evolved into a linchpin scrum-half, thriving under the guidance of four distinct coaches: Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones, and Borthwick.
In a significant milestone, Youngs surpassed Jason Leonard's record of 114 caps for England men in February 2022, securing his place as the record holder with 115 appearances.
His accolades include four Six Nations triumphs with England (2011, 2016, 2017, 2020) and a pivotal role in the 2019 World Cup final against South Africa. Furthermore, Youngs donned the British & Irish Lions jersey, earning two Test caps in 2013.
Following their semifinal defeat to South Africa, Ben Youngs joins fellow teammate Courtney Lawes in announcing his international retirement, marking the end of an era for these revered figures in English rugby.
