Just when England rugby legend Ben Youngs thought he had traded the scrum cap for a headset, the game pulled him back in. Retirement had seemed a settled affair for Youngs, who had shifted his focus to media ventures and youth coaching after hanging up his boots following an illustrious career that included 337 appearances for Leicester, 127 caps for England, and two Lions tours. But the rugby pitch beckons once more, this time for a cause larger than the game itself.
Youngs, who had penned his insights into a book titled 'Beyond The Line' and was delving into podcasting, didn't anticipate a return to the field. "I was done, I was so ready in my head," he confessed. Yet, the call to action for a noble cause was too compelling to ignore. The '745' charity match, a crossover game set to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND), is where Youngs finds himself lacing up once again.
The match, scheduled for November 9 at Gloucester's Kingsholm, will feature stars from both rugby union and league. It's a personal battle for Youngs, whose family has been deeply affected by MND and blood cancer. His brother-in-law's three-year fight with MND and his sister-in-law's struggle with blood cancer have left indelible marks on his family.
"MND is just so cruel,"
Youngs remarked, highlighting the brutal reality of the disease that has also afflicted two of his former Leicester teammates, Ed Slater and Lewis Moody. "These are absolute warriors of guys, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND," he added, emphasizing the paradox of battling such a relentless disease after facing physical challenges on the rugby field.
The rugby community's response to such crises has always been overwhelmingly supportive, and the upcoming 745 game is a testament to this solidarity. "The rugby community is so overwhelmingly kind and wants to support," Youngs noted, appreciative of the collective effort to rally around those in need.
As the event draws near, Youngs and his brother Tom, who will also be participating, are considering dusting off their old training routines. The prospect of revisiting their childhood practice sessions is both a nostalgic and a necessary part of their preparation. With the game broadcast live, it promises not only to raise funds but also to unite the rugby community for a memorable evening of sport and solidarity.
The 745 game promises to be more than just a match. It's a gathering of legends and fans alike, all converging for a cause that transcends the game itself. As Youngs steps onto the field once more, it's clear that while his official playing days may have concluded, his fight for a greater cause is just another kind of match day.
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Just when England rugby legend Ben Youngs thought he had traded the scrum cap for a headset, the game pulled him back in. Retirement had seemed a settled affair for Youngs, who had shifted his focus to media ventures and youth coaching after hanging up his boots following an illustrious career that included 337 appearances for Leicester, 127 caps for England, and two Lions tours. But the rugby pitch beckons once more, this time for a cause larger than the game itself.
Youngs, who had penned his insights into a book titled 'Beyond The Line' and was delving into podcasting, didn't anticipate a return to the field. "I was done, I was so ready in my head," he confessed. Yet, the call to action for a noble cause was too compelling to ignore. The '745' charity match, a crossover game set to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND), is where Youngs finds himself lacing up once again.
The match, scheduled for November 9 at Gloucester's Kingsholm, will feature stars from both rugby union and league. It's a personal battle for Youngs, whose family has been deeply affected by MND and blood cancer. His brother-in-law's three-year fight with MND and his sister-in-law's struggle with blood cancer have left indelible marks on his family.
"MND is just so cruel,"
Youngs remarked, highlighting the brutal reality of the disease that has also afflicted two of his former Leicester teammates, Ed Slater and Lewis Moody. "These are absolute warriors of guys, yet the biggest battle they’ve ever faced is MND," he added, emphasizing the paradox of battling such a relentless disease after facing physical challenges on the rugby field.The rugby community's response to such crises has always been overwhelmingly supportive, and the upcoming 745 game is a testament to this solidarity. "The rugby community is so overwhelmingly kind and wants to support," Youngs noted, appreciative of the collective effort to rally around those in need.
As the event draws near, Youngs and his brother Tom, who will also be participating, are considering dusting off their old training routines. The prospect of revisiting their childhood practice sessions is both a nostalgic and a necessary part of their preparation. With the game broadcast live, it promises not only to raise funds but also to unite the rugby community for a memorable evening of sport and solidarity.
The 745 game promises to be more than just a match. It's a gathering of legends and fans alike, all converging for a cause that transcends the game itself. As Youngs steps onto the field once more, it's clear that while his official playing days may have concluded, his fight for a greater cause is just another kind of match day.