Ben Youngs to end record-breaking England career after Rugby World Cup

Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped male player, will retire from international rugby after the Rugby World Cup.

The scrum half will win his 127th cap and make a farewell appearance against Argentina in the bronze medal match on Friday evening at the Stade de France.

Youngs has been picked to make his first start of the tournament in England’s final fixture in France.

The 34-year-old made his debut in 2010 and has scored 20 tries for his country.

England head coach Steve Borthwick, who captained Youngs on the occasion of his first cap against Scotland, hailed the qualities of a four-time Six Nations winner.

“Ben has been a tremendous player for English rugby for such a long time,” Borthwick said.

“[He’s] our record cap holder. A player who has seen a lot in four World Cup, and who has played an important role within this squad helping the team, particularly Alex Mitchell, progress. He’s a brilliant player and a fantastic team man.”

Youngs made his debut as a replacement on the wing against Scotland at Murrayfield in March 2010, before making a first international start at his preferred position of scrum half in June of that year.

He has since appeared at four World Cups, and was part of the side beaten by South Africa in the final in 2019.

The half back surpassed Jason Leonard’s tally of 114 caps last February having become only the second Englishman to win a century of Test caps.

Youngs was picked by four different England coaches (Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones and Borthwick) and toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 alongside brother Tom.

The 34-year-old is contracted with club Leicester Tigers until the end of the season.

His retirement follows that of flanker Courtney Lawes, who featured alongside Youngs at Under-18 and Under-20 level.