‘End of an era’ in Premiership after retirements

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‘End of an era’ in Premiership after retirements

On this note, Cole admitted in his retirement announcement he didn’t want to be “the old guy, sitting around and hanging on,” as financially-challenged Premiership clubs put their faith in youth.

But they have all done remarkably well to get this far.

Brown, who will turn 40 in September, has put his longevity down to a love of the game, self-drive, and a desire to make family proud.

In 2007 Youngs became Leicester’s youngest ever player, aged just 17, and is still trucking almost two decades later.

He points to improvements in sports science, a lower training load, and a healthy slice of luck, while he believes time away from the international game can also help with recovery.

“We used to do two double training days a week, and we wouldn’t dream of doing that now,” Youngs says.

“There is greater emphasis on recovery and looking after the body. So that has all changed.

“International rugby also takes its toll but because some of us have stepped away later in our careers, it has allowed us to freshen up for a couple more seasons.”

What position you play is also a factor – Youngs and Care are scrum-halves and Goode and Brown full-backs – with warhorse prop Cole something of an outlier.

“I play a different sport to the big lads. I’m not getting the collisions all the time – it is more the stress on the joints,” says Care.

“What position you play definitely has an effect, and allows you to have longevity. But I would say we are all pretty stubborn too!” Youngs adds.

“That also helps, because you have to be willing to keep doing it for as long as you do.”

Care agrees: “Love for the game and playing for a really cool team has also made me go for longer.”

But while Care has already played his last game for his beloved Quins, Goode could still bow out winning a record-equalling seventh title, although Saracens need results to go their way on the final day of the regular season on Saturday.

For the Leicester trio of Youngs, Cole, and Brown it could also end in fairytale fashion, with the Tigers guaranteed a place in the top four, likely a home semi-final, and a shot at next month’s showpiece.

But whoever ends up celebrating on the Twickenham turf on 14 June, the Premiership will feel a very different place next season.

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