Rugby United New York will have Ben Foden back for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. The 34-year-old fullback and Rooster #13 is 6’0″ and 200 lbs.
Ben was one of the leading MLR signings in 2019 and his leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable. This past offseason, Ben participated in X-Factor with fellow rugby players Thom Evans and Levi Davis.
During 2019 Ben played in 16 matches and was tied with Nate Brakeley with 1,200 minutes played. He carried the ball 119 times for 1,273 meters to lead the team. He was dangerous with ball in hand, had a team-leading 9 linebreaks, tackle breaks (10), and offloads (22).
Ben was born in Chester and attended Bishop Heber High School in Malpas, Cheshire before transferring to Bromsgrove School.
Ben played for Cheshire and North of England U16s, and England U16s. He then went on to play for England U19s, England Counties and England A.
Professional Career
Foden started his professional career in 2004 with the Gallagher Premiership’s Sale Sharks and moved to the Northampton Saints in 2008, spending the 10 seasons with the club. Over that time, he made over 250 appearances across all competitions, while finding the try zone 59 times. Since 2019 he has played with Rugby United New York in Major League Rugby.
England National Team
Ben earned 34 caps for the England national team between 2009 and 2013, starting in 29 of those matches and scoring 7 tries. He started every match during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and showed his finishing ability by crossing into the try zone twice. Foden made his last appearance for the national team against the New Zealand All Blacks on November 16, 2013.
Personal Life
Ben married Jackie Belanoff Smith in August 2019. He was previously married to Una Healy, of the British-Irish girl group, The Saturdays. and shares custody of his two children Aoife and Tadhg with his ex-wife.
Rugby United New York 2019 Comments
“We’re absolutely delighted Ben has signed for us,” Rugby United New York General Manager James English said. “As one of the most influential and talented fullbacks in the Premiership over the last decade, the opportunity of signing him was too good to turn down. Ben brings a wealth of premiership and international experience to Rugby United New York. His signing is a real statement of intent by the club. We’re looking forward to the impact he can have on the field, culturally, and off the field, aiding in the development of young talent in the tri-state area. We look forward to welcoming Ben to New York.”
“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be joining MLR next season with Rugby United New York,” Foden said. “It’s a new franchise in the most exciting city in the world. After my experience playing in the English Premiership for 14 seasons, the opportunity to broaden horizons, in both a playing sense, as well as taking a step into the coaching role, seems like the right move. I fully believe America to be the next big rugby playing nation and can’t wait to help develop young talent through the professional ranks. My family and I have always wanted to venture over across the pond to America, and now have the opportunity, which we look forward to seizing with both hands.”
Other Articles
DJCoil Rugby articles by Doug Coil are also available on Facebook. Other Social Media sites to follow or subscribe include Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for interviews.
