When it comes to farewells, Leicester Tigers aren’t big on dramatic send-offs.
That suits Dan Cole and Ben Youngs just fine.
After almost two decades in the game, England’s most-capped prop and scrum-half duo are about to lace up for their final outing – a Premiership final at Twickenham.
And while fans and teammates will be feeling the emotion, the pair themselves are keeping things grounded. There’s a job to finish.
Between them, they’ve played 245 times for England – 118 caps for Cole, 127 for Youngs – and lifted trophies at every level.
From Six Nations glory to Premiership titles and even a World Cup final, they’ve seen it all. But now, the curtain’s about to close.
No Grand Farewells – Just Quiet Reflection
So, what kind of send-off are they getting? Not much of one, actually. That’s how they like it.
“I feel like the fuss is already done,” Youngs says.
“We spoke briefly in front of the lads, thanked the fans against Newcastle, and that was that. No big speeches, no dramatics.”
“Cockers had them all laid out in order of service, then the analyst messed it all up by moving them to get to his desk. He was fuming!”
When It’s Time, It’s Time
Both men gave serious thought to the idea of playing on – especially Cole, who had another contract offer on the table.
But at 38, with the club shifting under new leadership, the timing just felt right.
“It felt like things were changing,” he says. “You don’t want to be the old guy clinging on.
You want to go out before your body totally gives up on you.”
Youngs, meanwhile, turned down an offer from Racing 92 in France.
“I knew I was done,” he says simply. “I’ve only ever played here.
The idea of starting somewhere else for one last season? It just didn’t sit right.”
Life After Rugby: Exciting but Uncertain
For most athletes, retirement is a mix of relief and fear.
And that’s exactly where Cole finds himself.
“Right now, it’s okay because it’s the off-season anyway.
But come five or six weeks down the line, I’ll be wondering what the hell to do with myself,” he admits.
“I’ve had a schedule since I was four years old – now I’m supposed to make my own?”
Youngs, 35, is looking forward to the unknown, even if he’s not sure what it’ll look like.
The pair will continue their popular podcast For the Love of Rugby, which will help keep them connected to the sport and its people.
What They’ll Miss the Most
Neither man pretends walking away is easy – especially when it comes to the adrenaline rush of a big game.
“I love that pressure,” says Youngs.
“When the game’s on the line and the crowd is roaring, that buzz is unbeatable. I’ll miss it.”
Cole puts it in relatable terms: “It’s like drinking.
The fun is great, but the hangovers are awful.
At this age, I play and can’t turn my head for three days.
Putting on pants becomes a mission!”
From Quizmaster to Social Butterfly?
They joke about post-rugby careers, too. Youngs says Cole could host a quiz show – “He’s beaten The Beast twice, no joke.”
Cole, in turn, thinks Youngs is a natural people person.
“You’re great at talking to everyone. It screams ambassador!”
Youngs laughs, “A ‘relationships manager’… just don’t check my liver in five years!”
The Club They Leave Behind
Both players believe Leicester is in good hands with former teammate Geoff Parling taking over as head coach.
After years of ups and downs – including a brush with relegation – they’re hopeful the club is back on track.
“It’s not about flash here,” Cole says. “There’s history, grit, hard work.
The fans cheer for maul tries. That’s what they love.
It attracts a certain kind of player – and that’s good.”
Coaching? Maybe. For Now, It’s Time to Step Back
Would they consider coaching? Sure – if Leicester wants them.
But for now, they’re ready to step away and watch from the stands.
Their lowest point? Facing relegation in 2020.
Their highest? For Cole, the 2022 Premiership final. For Youngs, that big win away at Clermont.
One thing’s certain – they’ll always hate losing to Northampton.
“That’s our true rival,” they agree. “But Bath’s right up there too.”
A Fairy Tale Ending? They’re Not Expecting One
With all eyes on their final match, some might hope for a perfect send-off. Youngs isn’t banking on that.
“You can build whatever narrative you want – our retirement, Cheika’s last game.
But nothing’s scripted. No one’s handing us anything.”
Cole, with trademark wit, adds: “Unless Bath want to just roll over! They’ve had two titles this year… how about giving us one?”
One More Game, One More Swing
As the whistle blows today, these two giants of English rugby will step onto the pitch one last time.
No fanfare. No drama. Just the same grit, heart, and pride that defined their careers.
They’ve played the finals. They’ve taken the hits. Now they take one last swing.