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PSitting on a chair in the corner of the library in the England team hotel, ben earl Is in a contemplative mood. At 27, this is by no means a wise or weather-beaten man, but the years have developed a more intelligent mind than might first appear – and a former student of comparative literature is happy to write chapters on the past, present and future after a year that has changed his chosen goal and, in a way, his outlook on life.
With an air of quiet contemplation that belies his role as England’s action-man on the pitch, he receives an awkward nudge on the chin from the flanker as he picks up the ball. A conversation that started in Sydney In view of the third British and Irish Lions Tests and a tour that challenged his notions of perfect preparation. “I loved it,” he recalls of a long-awaited experience that exceeded even his expectations. “I learned a lot. It changed my perspective on a lot of things.”
Midway through the tour, Earl admitted that he previously believed one had to live like a monk to get the best out of oneself; As he returns to the England camp, it is with a different approach. He emphasizes that training time remains important – but not everything. “Just get out of your way and go and play rugby. You almost want to go into the same situation as you were at school – at one o’clock you’ll have geography and then at three o’clock it’s playing rugby against anyone. Things like that renew your love of the game.”
No, Earl quickly made it clear that he never really lost it. Certainly, anyone who has seen him on the pitch would not claim that the back rower is doing anything without enjoyment. England’s energetic player at the base of the scrum is almost certain to resume the No. 8 role this autumn with the usual bold confidence in both himself and his side; The goal is four wins out of four this November after a year of significant collective progress.
Speaking to Earl, little got the feeling that the 41-cap international of paramount importance to his team still believes he needs to kick on at the highest level again. It is now almost five years since England started from the bench in the Six Nations 15 straight caps as replacement To start your career.
Now firmly established as a starter, how does Earl reflect on those early days? “Making my England debut was the best time of my career, but for me it probably came…” A pause. “I don’t want to say anything too early because I wouldn’t change my travel. But my appreciation for playing for England during Covid and being in lockdown, stuck in hotels… you can’t focus on why you’re doing it. You don’t realize what you’re missing until it’s taken away from you.”
Earl’s role has evolved since those early days. He was once a famous player of England, now he is about eight years older than him. New club and country colleague Noah Caluori – and perhaps, the time it took to fully gain foothold on the international stage is a cautionary tale. “Publicity is a terrible word. I would never say that I got the publicity that some of these young people have got.
“But it’s not really fair. You look at these players, and I have admiration for Owen Farrell, Jamie George and Maro Itoje, who I know first-hand, and then some guys like Courtney Laws and Ben Youngs, who have done brilliantly season after season – it’s very hard to do that. Unless you see it first-hand, it’s mind-boggling.
“That’s why I would be very cautious about praising or expecting too much from youngsters who have only played a year or two of rugby. You’ll learn more from failure, from injury, from selection, from being out of form. That’s the thing, then, ten years later, you look back and think, ‘That was the best thing for me’. Let these guys go and enjoy being part of it. Because expectation brings a burden.”
Then, I suggest that life has never been harder for a young athlete – an insatiable audience is always more demanding, yet the sting of social media can pierce even the thickest skin. Earl can sometimes be ostentatious on the pitch, but his view is that he should not be overly focused on crafting his public persona outside of it. “It’s not really in my nature. I’m quite happy with my teammates and what they think. But that’s what the world demands of these athletes now. I think it will become less difficult – these young guys coming up will get used to that expectation. I don’t think I feel negative. I love reading all of it. I think it’s fun.”
A regular churchgoer, Earl’s faith gives him the grounding he sometimes needs; With the ambition of reducing your handicap by next summer, golf is also a useful switch-off after the Lions round Easily enjoyed at TPC Sawgrass and Wentworth.
Now, however, it’s back to the day job – or maybe, given the 27-year-old’s versatility. Tom Willis’ exile steve borthwickThe team seems to suit Earl best in the number 8 shirt, but opportunities on the flanks and in the centers will continue to be available. Asked to discuss the demands of his dual role, Earl interjects with pithy explanations. “I hate the word hybrid – it’s a golf club.
“But I definitely think we’ll see more players doing that. In terms of cognitive load, what you do at 12 or 13 and what you do in the back row [is similar]The only technical thing is to actually defend the scrums. With a little more experience over the past year or so, I feel more comfortable doing this than ever before. It’s a good string for my bow and the team’s bow – you’re starting to see some guys who can do that. i think henry [Pollock] This would be perfect for him.”
Pollock is one of many Young contenders challenge Earl’s hot heels – Coincidentally, granite-carved Guy Pepper passes us during our conversation and quips: ‘He’s a specimen, isn’t he?’ This underlines that even a two-faced lion like Earl cannot afford to get down on his knees.
“This group feels like it has a new lease of life. We had an amazing Six Nations, people went on and did their thing with the Lions, but the people who stayed involved got a 2-0 result against Argentina in the summer. The level of being in this team now is incredible.
“Success at individual and team level probably goes hand in hand. Personally, I have a lot left in me. I look at what some of the guys are doing now in my position around the world and in Prem. I have to take another step up. I would love to be mentioned in World Best.” The next chapter may be even better than the last.