England's Youngs bows out content and proud after 127 caps

PARIS: Scrumhalf Ben Youngs will make his 127th and last appearance for England on Friday having decided to retire from international rugby after a remarkable career that has seen him perform under four coaches and appear in four World Cups over 13 years.

The France tournament has seen him predominantly in the background as Alex Mitchell was the regular starting nine with Danny Care the preferred replacement. He gets the chance to bow out on the big stage, however, after being chosen to start the Bronze Final against Argentina and walk away on his own terms.

"It just feels right, Youngs, 34, said. "I’m proud and privileged to get that opportunity. I’ve done it for so long and there’s great talent within the nine jersey. The fact I had this in my head for a long time and then I didn’t hesitate about it makes me realise that it’s absolutely the right decision.

"I'll look forward to playing club rugby and supporting this team from a distance, but it's been a great ride."

Talking about his back-up role in France, having been first choice for so long, he said: "It’s definitely been different. You still drive the team and have a huge part in terms of giving off your experiences, you just don’t get to do it at the weekend. I’d be doing the team a disservice if I didn’t still do all those bits."

Youngs follows Courtney Lawes in announcing his retirement and the likes of Danny Care, Dan Cole, Joe Marler and Jonny May are likely to follow suit as one England era ends.

Youngs made his debut off the bench as an emergency winger in a 15-15 draw with Scotland in 2010 under Martin Johnson.

But Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick have all appreciated his remarkable ability to link with team mates, control a game and the accuracy