Ben Youngs, England's most-capped male player of all time, announces his retirement from International rugby

The Leicester Tigers scrum half, who made his debut against Scotland in 2010, has been a mainstay in England squads since that cold evening in Edinburgh 13 years ago. 

This weekend's Bronze Final match against Argentina in Paris will be Youngs' last as an England player. He will retire with 127 caps, more than any other male player in England Rugby history. As he prepares to take to the field for one last time, Youngs reflects on his been a record-breaking career. 

"I feel unbelievably proud and privileged to have done this for so long," he said. "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. 

"It’s been an absolute privilege to have been given support from my family and the England fans as well. I'd like to thank you all very much for getting behind the team, for cheering us through the good times and for picking us up through the bad times.

"It’s a great honour now that I get to play one more game on Friday night and close a chapter that I’m very proud of."

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."

Before he hangs up the boots for good, however, there is one last job to be done. 

"I just want to make sure we win against Argentina. It’s Tom Curry’s 50th and the guys have poured so much into the last few months as a group so I just want to finish on a high alongside them and then sit in the changing room for one last time to soak it all in."

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 failing 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. 

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 151 years of English rugby only two players have achieved the incredible landmark of 100 caps for the men's side.

Youngs wrote his name in the history books 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.