St John's was honoured to welcome rugby legend Ben Youngs, England’s most capped player, and the Head of Performance Sport at Gresham’s School for a dynamic afternoon of inspiration, insight, and sport.
Ben began the visit with a lively Q&A session with our Senior House pupils, who came prepared with thoughtful and probing questions. From “Who was your best coach and why?” to “How did you earn 127 caps for England?”, pupils explored themes of resilience, leadership, and passion. Ben spoke candidly about his most memorable game, his admiration for current star Antoine Dupont, and the emotional journey of recovering after a tough loss. When asked whether he preferred playing for England or Leicester Tigers, he reflected on the pride of representing his country and the camaraderie of club rugby.
It was incredible to hear how Ben stayed focused through challenges and setbacks. His honesty made us realise that even elite athletes have doubts and that resilience is something you build, not something you’re born with.
He also shared that the Principality Stadium in Wales is his favourite place to play, describing the electric atmosphere and intensity of the crowd as unforgettable. When asked about leadership, Ben named Owen Farrell as the best captain he’s played under, praising his ability to lead by example both on and off the pitch.
Following the Q&A, Ben headed out to the playing fields to coach our U11 boys in a series of high-energy passing drills ahead of their matches against King's. His encouragement and technical tips brought smiles and focus to every player. Later, our U13s returned from their away matches and had the chance to share their experiences with Ben, who listened with genuine interest and offered words of support.
Ben’s visit was a masterclass in humility, connection and the importance of discipline in rugby and sport in general. He reminded us that greatness isn’t just about skill it’s about character, and how you lift others around you.
The afternoon was a celebration of sport, courage, and community and an unforgettable opportunity for our pupils to learn from one of rugby’s greats. We are deeply grateful to Ben Youngs and the Gresham’s team for their time, wisdom, and warmth.