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Ex-England full-back Ben Foden has retired with immediate effect
By Liam Heagney
Ex-England full-back Ben Foden has confirmed his retirement from playing at the age of 36. The 34-time Test cap between 2009 and 2013 has been in America in recent years playing for Rugby United New York since leaving Northampton in 2018. However, he wasn't rostered for this year's MLR season and has now taken to Instagram to admit that his playing days are finally over.
Writing in a social media post that contained five pictures from his career, two in action with Northampton and one each from Sale, New York and England, Foden said: "So after lots of deliberation I’ve decided to finally hang up my playing boots from professional rugby.
"From a young ‘Pop Idol’ starting at @salesharks to 10 years at @northamptonsaints to finally finishing my career with @rugbyunitedny it’s been an 18-year career filled with every emotion possible.
"Rugby has given me so much through my lifetime and given me enough memories to keep me smiling for the rest of my days. It’s taken me all over the world and I feel privileged to say it has given me friendships and a family I can always depend on.
"To everyone who has been part of this journey with me, thank you for everything! Rugby really is a wonderful game and has certainly enriched my life. I promise to always, (wherever possible) give back to the game I loved playing so much. Excited for the next chapter in my life and what’s around the corner. Finally thank you Dad for making this incredible journey possible. Foden 15 out ✌️🙌👊 @englandrugby #retired #rugby #saints #sharks #rooster #England."
Foden, who featured in a warmly received 2019 RugbyPass documentary on his move to American rugby, started 14 times in last year's MLR campaign for Rugby United New York. They had offered him a deal for the 2022 season but he turned down. "They asked me to play again this year and I declined," he said in January.
"I wanted a break from rugby to assess where I am. I want to transition from playing into coaching... There are lots of opportunities in America as it’s such a big country and the sport is only just taking off. Over here (in England), it’s saturated, so it’s just about finding what works financially."
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Latest Comments
I was at this match. Jordie Barrett earned his money with a massive hit to slow a connaught attack to win the math when Leinster had 14 in the last few mins. Mack Hansen had a real go at the refereeing after citing a serious head hits on Iaone and Aki.
connaught were up for this. Snyman tried a trademark dirty after, and the onnaught 4 and the onnaught pack absolutely laid into him.
Leinster hose to kick to the corner when only winning by 5 with 10 left and qith only 2 tries scored. onnaught should have punisihed them for that utter stupidity after they broke out and Leinster yellowed to stop the attack.
13 changes from last week. It seems teams are scoring about 10 points less against Leinster this year. With Neinaber in his second year, the new attack coah established, surely they will be a bigger threat in champions up? Or will the attack recgress further.
They must adopt the SA philosophy of take your 3 pointers and the bonus points will come.
connaught back line inluding Iaone, Murphy, Aki, Forde, cordero is the seond best in Ireland surely. Leinster were lucky here
Go to commentsShould have played more for England but he jumped ship just as he was breaking through.
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