BEN FODEN is back in the game again after reversing his decision to leave rugby.
The 40-year-old former fullback and scrum-half retired from the professional game in 2022 and took up selling properties in New York but has returned to the sport in a new dual role.
Foden, who picked up 34 England caps throughout his distinguished career, is now working at Scarborough RUFC and will be part of the town’s college rugby programme as well.
After ending his playing days in America‘s Major League Rugby, Foden remained Stateside and went about changing his life completely.
His foray into the housing market could not replace the thrill of his beloved rugby union, though, and now the Chester-born man is going about feeding the next generation with his wisdom.
He explained: “I’d kept my foot in the water in America, doing a bit of coaching with the universities, and I’d always enjoyed doing that far more than any other job that I was doing.
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“Now I’m surrounded by rugby again, I’ve got a load of new mates from the club, and to come back and make a career out of it is a bit of a dream.”
Foden started in the Premiership at Sale, where he won the first of two titles in 2006 before going on to represent Northampton Saints 250 times.
He won the division again in 2014, now at Saints, and played for his country at the 2011 World Cup.
As well as life on the pitch, Foden was married to Saturdays singer Una Healy before their subsequent divorce after a cheating scandal.
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Foden tried his hand on The X Factor in 2019 and Dancing On Ice but was the first to be eliminated with partner Robin Johnstone.
He now has two children with Jackie Belanoff-Smith.
Upon announcing his retirement from rugby, Foden said: “Rugby has given me so much through my life time and given me enough memories to keep me smiling for the rest of my days.
“It’s taken me all over the world and I feel privileged to say it’s given me friendships and a family I can always depend on.
“To everyone who has been part of this journey with me, thank you for everything! – Rugby really is a wonderful game and has certainly enriched my life.
“I promise to always, (wherever possible) give back to the game I loved playing so much.
“Excited for the next chapter in my life and what’s around the corner.”
