Ben Youngs Retires from International Rugby after 13 years

England's scrum half, Ben Youngs, aged 34, is set to make his 127th and final appearance for the national rugby team. He's decided to retire from international rugby after a remarkable 13-year career during which he played under four different coaches and participated in four World Cups.

Throughout the France tournament, Youngs found himself in a supporting role, with 26-year-old Alex Mitchell being the primary starting nine, and Danny Care as the preferred replacement. Nonetheless, Youngs now has the opportunity to bid farewell on a grand stage, having been selected to start in the Bronze Final against Argentina.

Expressing his feelings, Youngs stated, "It just feels right. I'm proud and privileged to get this opportunity. I've dedicated a significant part of my life to this sport, and with the talent we have in the scrum half position, I knew this was the right decision."Youngs added, "I look forward to continuing my rugby journey at the club level and supporting the national team from a distance. It's been an incredible ride.

"Reflecting on his new role as a backup in France, Youngs remarked, "It's certainly been a different experience. Although I'm not on the field during matches, I still play a crucial role in guiding the team, sharing my experiences, and contributing in various ways. I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't."Ben Youngs' retirement follows in the footsteps of fellow teammate Courtney Lawes, who also announced his retirement at the age of 34. Other seasoned players like Danny Care (36), Dan Cole (36), Joe Marler (33), and Jonny May (33) are expected to follow suit as a new era begins for the England rugby team.

Youngs made his debut as an emergency winger in a 2010 match against Scotland, coming off the bench under the management of Martin Johnson. His exceptional ability to connect with teammates, control the game, and exhibit precision in his kicking earned him the continued trust of four different England coaches, including Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones, Steve Borthwick, and even Warren Gatland for the British & Irish Lions."I've had the privilege of working with four different England coaches, and I'm proud of being chosen by each of them. It's a testament to my contribution to the team," Youngs remarked.

Looking ahead, Youngs admitted to missing the adrenaline of running onto the field in front of a packed stadium, the pressure of high-stakes games, and the camaraderie of striving for excellence within an elite group. He expressed fond memories and contentment with his career.

Youngs also cherished the moments he shared the field with his brother, Tom, who serves as a hooker for both England and the Lions. He highlighted a few standout matches as his favorite memories, including the Grand Slam victory in Paris in 2016, the opening round win against Ireland in the 2019 Six Nations, and the triumphant 3-0 whitewash of Australia during a tour.

However, the pinnacle of his career, according to Youngs, was the 2019 semi-final against New Zealand, which he described as "one of the greatest team performances" he had ever been part of. Many consider it England's finest performance, and Youngs took immense pride in contributing to that historic achievement.