Ben Youngs' most memorable matches
Leicester Tigers' Ben Youngs, England's most-capped male player of all time, has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The scrum half, who made his debut against Scotland in 2010, was a mainstay in England squads since that cold evening in Edinburgh 13 years ago right up until his final international game against Argentina in the Bronze Final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He will retire with 127 caps, more than any other male player in England Rugby history, and 332 appearances for Tigers. As he prepares for the final games of the Premiership season, Youngs reflects on his record-breaking career.
"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, excited about what this group can do.
"I feel unbelievably proud and privileged to have done this for so long. The memories and teammates I’ve made along the way, as well as all the highs and lows, have helped shape me into the person I am today.
"The time will come to thank everybody who have 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. I’m not done just yet."
Youngs became England's most-capped men's player of all time when he came off the bench against Wales in the 2022 Six Nations Championship, overtaking Jason Leonard's record which was set in 2004.
"The record and the caps are nice, but they aren’t what means the most to me. The biggest things I’ll take away are the memories. This is a special team and I’ll be joining everyone in the stands to cheer them on, because it’s a team worth getting behind."
In honour of his remarkable career, we take a look back at some of the Ben's finest moments and contributions to Test match rugby.
First start against Australia
Few would criticize Youngs if the nerves were jangling before he strode out onto the Sydney turf in June 2010.
It was a first start in an England side trying to bounce back from a 27-17 loss the week before, but if Youngs was on edge he certainly didn’t show it.
It was a tentative start to proceedings as set piece faltered and early knocks forced Martin Johnson to rearrange personnel early on, and things weren’t going to plan until Youngs provided the spark that lit the touchpaper from the back of a lineout.
Darting through a gap Youngs showed blistering pace, cantering in from 35 metres past the defensive efforts of Drew Mitchell. Youngs’ contributions were critical in sealing a famous 21-20 win at Telstra Stadium, rekindling fond memories of 2003.
Punishing the Pumas
Expectations were high and anticipation fever pitch as Martin Johnson prepared his men for their opening bout of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against Felipe Contepomi’s Pumas.
If England were to ensure a path out of the group stages and safe passage to the quarter finals, it was vital they got off to a positive start against the third ranked seeds Argentina.
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What unfolded was a desperately tight encounter, where the hugely physical Puma pack had control, and kept England at bay.
Youngs replaced Richard Wigglesworth on the 50-minute mark, and turned into England's saviour 16 minutes later, crossing over from close range to edge out a 13-9 victory that put his side in poll position and firm control of their own destiny.
The remainder of the match was anything but comfortable, but Youngs' decisive score proved to be the all-important moment when the stakes could not have been higher.
Brothers bulldoze the competition
The Youngs family has rugby heritage unrivaled by most. Father Nick and his sons, Tom and Ben, have all run out for their country onto the hallowed turf at HQ.
When the siblings took to the field in a 54-12 win against Fiji in 2012, the family became only the second ever to have a father and two sons play for England. A proud moment to look back on for the duo, but they would go on to make more history together three weeks later.
The brothers both started as England broke the All-Blacks’ undefeated streak in a resounding 38-21 win at Twickenham. As a result of thumping the incumbent World Champions, the brothers joined their father in having started in wins over New Zealand.
Knowing the relationship the two brothers have, this landmark Autumn series will stand out as one to cherish for the pair.
Grandest of Slams
In the wake of a disappointing home World Cup, Eddie Jones sought to make a statement as newly appointed head coach and rekindle some energy in the team.
England passed their first test with flying colours clinching a slender six point win over the Scots at a hostile Murrayfield.
Italy next up were put to the sword, with a consummate display of class by Youngs that earned him the man of the match award in Rome. This was followed up with a pair of closely fought contests with Ireland and Wales.
And so came the finale in Paris. A Grand Slam had eluded England for 13 years and it was finally in touching distance. In a typically fiery and heated meeting of ‘Le Crunch’, England subdued the passionate Parisian crowd with Youngs afforded the honour of the final boot into touch sparking wild celebrations.
England and Youngs could forget the bitter pain of six months prior and pop open the champagne to revel in their sweetest victory in over a decade.
100th cap
In 154 years of English rugby only seven players have achieved the incredible landmark of 100 caps for the men's side.
Youngs wrote his name in the history books by becoming the second in 2020, reaching that milestone in a dominant 34-5 win against Italy in Rome.
He wasted little time in showing just why he had reached triple digits, dotting down inside the opening five minutes. The Leicester man started the second half in similar fashion, crossing the whitewash for his second, one minute after the break.
He rounded off what was a masterful performance in style picking up man of the match on a day where England also sealed the Six Nations Championship.
It was a quintessentially stylish showing on a unique and special day for the scrum half, and one we've come to expect.
