Ben Earl Balances Rugby Career with Aspiring Golfer Dreams

Ben Earl, a key player for Saracens and the England rugby team, is not just excelling on the pitch. The 28-year-old back-row forward, who has also had a career in cricket, is now taking strides towards becoming a scratch golfer.

A Multifaceted Athlete

Earl's diverse sporting background includes cricketing stints for Kent in his teens and a history as a skilled swimmer. Recently, he has set his sights on mastering golf, inspired by his brother, who is a professional golfer. Earl aims to achieve a scratch handicap within a year—a goal aligned with England's upcoming 2024 World Cup in Australia.

Academia Meets Athletics

In addition to his athletic endeavors, Earl is juggling academic achievements. Recently, he submitted a substantial 15,000-word dissertation for his degree in sports directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University. His focused research area addresses the perceptions surrounding legal changes in rugby and cricket, an integral topic for athletes and administrators alike.

Earl explains, "I wanted to get back into studying as a way to switch off. My dissertation discusses the unintended consequences of law changes in both sports. It's a complex area often overlooked by players and officials."

Upcoming Law Changes in Rugby

Among the significant changes in rugby set to take effect include new regulations on the hip-drop tackle and stricter enforcement of existing laws regarding knee-drop tackles. These changes are expected to reshape how the game is played, with Earl expressing relief that the hip-drop will soon be outlawed. He remarked, “It’s not a malicious tactic, but I agree that it can be incredibly dangerous.”

The proposed adjustments emphasize player safety, aiming to prevent injuries attributed to specific tackle styles. Earl acknowledges, “I could have delved deeper into my dissertation had I more time. Rugby has many quirks, and these law changes midway through the season can be interesting.”

Golf: A New Passion

Earl has become increasingly dedicated to golf, which he describes as a fantastic mental break from rugby. Already a four-handicap golfer, he has a year to achieve a scratch score, a challenge he feels will benefit both his golf game and rugby performance.

“I truly feel that playing more golf has improved my rugby skills,” he shares. “Golf allows me to clear my head; it takes time, but it’s worth it.” Earl's practice regimen includes accessing premier golf courses like Sunningdale and Wentworth, where he can hone his skills.

Moreover, he’s excited about collaborating with cricket star Ben Stokes in the coming weeks, as both athletes share a deep love for their respective sports.

Focus on Rugby

Despite his growing passion for golf, Earl remains deeply committed to rugby. As one of the mainstays of head coach Steve Borthwick's squad, Earl has started all eight of England's Tests this year in various positions, primarily as No 8.

Looking ahead, he recognizes the significance of England's matches in the upcoming Nations Championship, especially as they set their sights on a successful World Cup journey.

“Playing at Twickenham is an honor, but my goal for the team is to end November with high expectations for next year,” he reflects. “It's an amazing group we have—the potential here is immense.”

Earl's journey as a rugby player coupled with his ambitions in golf and academia illustrates the potential for athletes to diversify and excel in various aspects of their lives. His determination serves as an inspiring example for aspiring sports professionals.

On the Future

As for rumors of a potential transition into rugby league, Earl decisively shuts them down, emphasizing, “That chapter has closed for me. My passion lies firmly in union and golf.”

With his sights set on success both on the rugby field and the golf course, the countdown is on for Ben Earl as he gears up for an exciting future.