Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped rugby player, recently visited Dubai for the Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch, a fundraising event supporting the 7s For Good CSR initiative, which aids disadvantaged communities.
This time of year usually sees Youngs preparing for the new Premiership season with Leicester Tigers, his lifelong club.
However, after retiring at the end of last season, Youngs is now navigating life beyond rugby and adjusting to no longer playing on the field.
He’s discovered new competitive outlets.
One of these is podcasting. Youngs and his former teammate, Dan Cole, host “For the Love of Rugby,” offering listeners behind-the-scenes insights and on-field analysis.
The podcast, launched successfully in 2024, will broadcast from this year’s Emirates Dubai 7s from November 28-30 at The Sevens Stadium, where Youngs eagerly anticipates the exciting rugby sevens format.
“I love rugby sevens,” he says. “It’s fast, entertaining, with incredible athletes. Not every 15s player can master sevens. Antoine Dupont did brilliantly, but others struggled.”
“Rugby sevens is pure entertainment, with a party atmosphere like the IPL, engaging crowds, making it fantastic,” Youngs adds, praising the sevens players.
Youngs’ retirement marked the end of a remarkable career, winning five Premiership titles, four Six Nations, playing in four World Cups, and receiving two British Lions call-ups, becoming England’s most-capped player with 127 appearances.
Though his playing days are over, Youngs stays connected to rugby through his podcast.
His autobiography, “Beyond the Line: My Life in Rugby,” will soon be released, sharing his personal and professional journey.
“The book goes beyond the line, offering insights into my rugby career with England and Leicester, and personal experiences,” he explains.
“It covers the loss of my sister-in-law during my brother’s playing career, providing an honest and open account. I’m proud of the book,” Youngs says.
“It’s a true journey of my evolution from a rugby-loving schoolboy to retirement.”
