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{{Short description|England international rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2011}}
{{infobox rugby biography
{{infobox rugby biography
|name = Ben Foden
| name = Ben Foden
|image = Ben Foden - Northampton (cropped).jpg
| image = Ben Foden - Northampton (cropped).jpg
|image_size =
| image_size =
|caption = Ben Foden playing for Northampton in 2012
| caption = Ben Foden playing for Northampton in 2012
|birth_name = Benjamin James Foden
| birth_name = Benjamin James Foden
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|7|22|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|7|22|df=y}}
|birth_place = [[Chester]], [[United Kingdom]]
| birth_place = [[Chester]], England
| height = {{height|m=1.83}}
|death_date 21st April 2018=
| weight = {{convert|93|kg|stlb|abbr=on}} <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rfu.com/SquadsAndPlayers/EnglandElite/BenFoden.aspx |title= RFU Official Site of the RFU, Governing Body of Rugby Union in England |work= web page |publisher= RFU |access-date= 23 August 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110818113610/http://www.rfu.com/SquadsAndPlayers/EnglandElite/BenFoden.aspx |archive-date= 18 August 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref>
|death_place Marple cricket club =
| school = Bromsgrove School VIth Form
|height = {{convert|1.83|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
Tarporley Community High School<br>[[Bishop Heber High School]]<br>Malpas Cheshire
|weight = {{convert|93|kg|stlb|abbr=on}} <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rfu.com/SquadsAndPlayers/EnglandElite/BenFoden.aspx |title= RFU Official Site of the RFU, Governing Body of Rugby Union in England |work=web page |publisher= RFU |accessdate =23 August 2011}}</ref>
| university = [[Manchester University]]
|school = Tarporley Community High School<br>[[Bishop Heber High School]]<br>Malpas Cheshire<br>[[Bromsgrove School]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Una Healy]]|2012|2019|end=divorced<br> {{marriage|Jackie Belanoff Smith|2019}}
|university = [[Manchester University]]
}}
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Una Healy]]|2012|2018|end={{abbr|sep.|separated}}}}
| ru_currentteam = [[Rugby United New York]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/44967091 |title=Rugby Union should learn from US sports over player welfare, says Ben Foden |work=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref>
|children =
| position = [[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]], [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
|relatives = Rob Foden (Father) Jenny Foden (Mother) Tom Foden (brother)<br>Kate, Abigail, Miranda (sisters) Aoife Foden (daughter)<br>Tadhg Foden (son)
|occupation =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Crewe & Nantwich , Sandbach,
|ru_currentteam = [[Rugby United New York]]<ref>https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/44967091</ref>
|ru_position = [[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]], [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
|ru_youthyears = &nbsp;
|ru_youthclubs = Crewe & Nantwich , Sandbach,
Chester
Chester
|ru_clubyears = 2004–2008<br>2008-2018<br>2019-
| years1 = 2004–2008
| years2 = 2008–2018
|ru_proclubs = [[Sale Sharks]]<br>{{nowrap|[[Northampton Saints]]}}<br>[[Rugby United New York]]
| years3 = 2019–2022
|ru_clubcaps = 54 <br>250
| clubs1 = [[Sale Sharks]]
|ru_clubpoints = (50)<br>(290)
| clubs2 = [[Northampton Saints]]
|ru_clubupdate = 3 May 2018
| clubs3 = [[Rugby United New York]]
|ru_provinceyears =
|ru_province =
| apps1 = 54
|ru_provincecaps =
| apps2 = 250
| apps3 = 35
|ru_provincepoints =
|super14years = &nbsp;
| points1 = 50
|super14 =
| points2 = 290
|super14caps =
| points3 = 20
| ru_clubupdate = 1 May 2022
|super14points =
| provinceyears1 =
|ru_nationalyears = <br><br>2005-2006<br>2007-2008<br>2009–
| province1 =
|ru_nationalteam = England U16<br>[[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U19]]<br>[[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U21]]<br>[[England Saxons|England A]]<br>[[England national rugby union team|England]]
| provinceapps1 =
|ru_nationalcaps = <br><br><br><br>34
| provincepoints1 =
|ru_nationalpoints = <br><br><br><br>(35)
|ru_ntupdate =
| superyears1 =
| super1 =
|ru_sevensnationalyears =
| superapps1 =
|ru_sevensnationalteam =
| superpoints1 =
|ru_sevensnationalcomp =
|ru_coachyears =
| repyears1 =
|ru_coachclubs =
| repyears2 =
|ru_refereeyears =
| repyears3 = 2005–2006
|ru_refereecomps =
| repyears4 = 2007–2008
|ru_refereeapps =
| repyears5 = 2009–2013
| repteam1 = England U16
| repteam2 = [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U19]]
| repteam3 = [[England national under-20 rugby union team|England U21]]
| repteam4 = [[England Saxons|England A]]
| repteam5 = [[England national rugby union team|England]]
| repcaps1 =
| repcaps2 =
| repcaps3 = 2
| repcaps4 =
| repcaps5 = 34
| reppoints1 =
| reppoints2 =
| reppoints3 = 0
| reppoints4 =
| reppoints5 = 35
| ru_ntupdate =
| repsevensyears1 =
| repsevenscomp1 =
| coachyears1 =
| coachteams1 =
| refereeyears1 =
| refereecomps1 =
| refereeapps1 =
}}
}}
'''Benjamin James "Ben" Foden''' (born 22 July 1985 in [[Chester]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/squad_profiles.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic|title=RFU Official Site of the Northampton Saints - Player Profiles|publisher=RFU|accessdate=23 August 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813210632/http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/squad_profiles.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic|archivedate=13 August 2011|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is a [[rugby union]] player who plays for [[Northampton Saints]] and [[England national rugby union team|England]]. He plays at [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]] or [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|scrum-half]], but can also operate on the [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]]. He scored his first try for England against {{nrut|France}} in the [[2010 Six Nations]].
'''Benjamin James Foden''' (born 22 July 1985)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/squad_profiles.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic|title=RFU Official Site of the Northampton Saints - Player Profiles|publisher=RFU|access-date=23 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813210632/http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/squad_profiles.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic|archive-date=13 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an English [[rugby union]] player who plays for [[Rugby United New York]] (RUNY) in [[Major League Rugby]] (MLR). A [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]] or [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|scrum-half]], he won 34 caps for [[England national rugby union team|England]] between 2009 and 2013. He also plays as a Wing.

He gained his nickname of '[[Pop Idol]]' or 'Pops' by missing the first day of pre-season with Sale for an audition on the programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5580784.ece|title=Ben Foden, rugby's Mr Versatile|date=25 January 2009|publisher=Times Online|location=London|first=David|last=Walsh|accessdate=16 December 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Foden's career has been divided between playing at [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|scrum-half]] and [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]], though he can also operate on the [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]]. In an interview in March 2009, Foden accepted that his future lay at playing [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/4996180/Northamptons-Ben-Foden-accepts-his-future-is-at-full-back.html|title=Northampton's Ben Foden accepts his future is at full-back|date=13 March 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|first=Rob|last=Wildman|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Foden was educated at [[Bishop Heber High School]] in [[Malpas, Cheshire|Malpas]], [[Cheshire]] before moving to [[Bromsgrove School]] for sixth form.{{citation needed|date=March 2011}} His Bromsgrove School teacher Paul Mullan was a big influence on his career, as was his dad, Rob, who coached Ben and brother Tom's youth team.

His career has been divided between playing at [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|scrum-half]] and [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]], though he can also operate on the [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]]. In an interview in March 2009, Foden accepted that his future lies at playing [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/4996180/Northamptons-Ben-Foden-accepts-his-future-is-at-full-back.html|title=Northampton's Ben Foden accepts his future is at full-back|date=13 March 2009|publisher=Telegraph|location=London|first=Rob|last=Wildman|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Foden played for Cheshire and North of England U16s, and England U16s. He then went on to play for England U19s, and England Counties.
Foden played for Cheshire and North of England U16s, and England U16s. He then went on to play for England U19s, and England Counties.


===Club===
===Club===
He joined [[Sale Sharks]] in 2004, and Sale Sharks coach [[Philippe Saint-André]] saw him primarily as a full-back, commenting after a strong performance from Foden against [[Newcastle Falcons]], "If he's not a full-back I will eat my French beret. There is not a lot of competition among England full-backs and he deserves to go on tour with England – as a full-back not a scrum-half." <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1016135/RUGBY-UNION-Scrum-half-Foden-perfect-No-15-says-Sales-Saint-Andre.html|title=Scrum half Foden is a perfect No15, says Sale's Saint-Andre|date=21 April 2008|publisher=Mail Online|location=London|first=Chris|last=Foy|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> Despite these ringing words of endorsement from his coach, Foden's desire to play scrum half saw him sign for Northampton Saints on the basis of a promise to play him at his preferred position; a promise that Sale Sharks could not give him,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_union/s/1043333_saint_in_distress|title=Saint in distress|date=1 April 2008|publisher=Manchester Evening News|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> considering his fantastic performances at full-back, and the club presence of England international scrum-half [[Richard Wigglesworth (rugby player)|Richard Wigglesworth]] and the arrival of Welsh international [[Dwayne Peel]] for the next season. In the [[2005–06 Guinness Premiership|2005–2006 season]], Foden played as a replacement in the final as [[Sale Sharks]] won their first ever [[Guinness Premiership|Premiership]] title.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/5009064.stm|title=Sale 45-20 Leicester|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=27 May 2006|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
He joined [[Sale Sharks]] in 2004. Foden's desire to play scrum half saw him sign for Northampton Saints on the basis of a promise to play him at his preferred position; a promise that Sale Sharks could not give him,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_union/s/1043333_saint_in_distress|title=Saint in distress|date=1 April 2008|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=16 December 2017|archive-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112150248/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_union/s/1043333_saint_in_distress|url-status=dead}}</ref> considering his strong performances at full-back, and the club presence of England international scrum-half [[Richard Wigglesworth (rugby player)|Richard Wigglesworth]] and the arrival of Welsh international [[Dwayne Peel]] for the next season. In the [[2005–06 Guinness Premiership|2005–2006 season]], Foden played as a replacement in the final as Sale won their first ever [[Guinness Premiership|Premiership]] title.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/5009064.stm|title=Sale 45-20 Leicester|work=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2006|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


He began his [[Northampton Saints]] career competing with [[Lee Dickson]] for the scrum half position, however he was still utilised in his position of full back. Dickson won the battle for the scrum half shirt, and Northampton frequently used Foden in the position of full back. Many fine performances confirmed Foden's great potential at full back and has since become a regular fixture in the number 15 jersey for both club and country. In the 2008–09 season, he helped the Saints win the [[2008–09 European Challenge Cup|European Challenge Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6346920.ece|title=Northampton lift European Challenge Cup|date=23 May 2009|work=The Times|location=London|first=Matthew|last=Pryor|accessdate=16 December 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>
He gained his nickname of "[[Pop Idol]]" or "Pops" by missing the first day of pre-season with the Sharks for an audition on the programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5580784.ece|title=Ben Foden, rugby's Mr Versatile|date=25 January 2009|publisher=Times Online|location=London|first=David|last=Walsh|access-date=16 December 2017}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

He began his [[Northampton Saints]] career competing with [[Lee Dickson]] for the scrum half position; Dickson won the battle for the scrum half shirt, and Northampton frequently used Foden at full back. In the 2008–09 season, he helped the Saints win the [[2008–09 European Challenge Cup|European Challenge Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6346920.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902013300/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6346920.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 September 2011|title=Northampton lift European Challenge Cup|date=23 May 2009|work=The Times|location=London|first=Matthew|last=Pryor|access-date=16 December 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


In March 2011, following a Saints win over Wasps, Foden was arrested following an altercation with a taxi driver in London, but both Northampton and the RFU were happy to let the issue lie after he accepted a police caution.
In March 2011, following a Saints win over Wasps, Foden was arrested following an altercation with a taxi driver in London, but both Northampton and the RFU were happy to let the issue lie after he accepted a police caution.


In May 2014, Foden won the [[2013–14 English Premiership (rugby union)|Aviva Premiership]] title with [[Northampton Saints|Northampton]], playing 80 minutes plus extra time in the final against [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] at [[Full back (rugby union)|full back]] and scoring a try.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27590375|title=Premiership final: Saracens 20-24 Northampton Saints|department=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2014|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
In May 2014, Foden won the [[2013–14 English Premiership (rugby union)|Aviva Premiership]] title with Northampton, playing 80 minutes plus extra time in the final against [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] at full back and scoring a try.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27590375|title=Premiership final: Saracens 20-24 Northampton Saints|department=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2014|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Since then Foden has been a regular fixture in the Saints side, most recently featuring on the wing for most of the 2016/17 season and thriving there, scoring five tries in position out wide that season.<ref>[https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/profiles/profile/Ben-Foden Ben Foden] [[Northampton Saints]]. Retrieved 16 December 2017.</ref> The most recent of those tries came as Saints secured their place in the [[European Rugby Champions Cup]] for the upcoming campaign as they fought off [[Stade Francais]] in the European Champions Cup play-off final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/news/latest-headlines/2017/may-2017/saints-23-stade-francais-22-friday-night-may-lights-strike-again/|title=SAINTS 23 STADE FRANCAIS 22 Friday night May lights strike again|publisher=Northampton Saints|date=26 May 2017|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Foden played on the wing for most of the 2016-17 season, scoring five tries.<ref>[https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/profiles/profile/Ben-Foden Ben Foden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707114536/https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/profiles/profile/ben-foden/ |date=7 July 2017 }} [[Northampton Saints]]. Retrieved 16 December 2017.</ref> The most recent of those tries came as Saints secured their place in the [[European Rugby Champions Cup]] for the following campaign as they fought off [[Stade Francais]] in the European Champions Cup play-off final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/news/latest-headlines/2017/may-2017/saints-23-stade-francais-22-friday-night-may-lights-strike-again/|title=SAINTS 23 STADE FRANCAIS 22 Friday night May lights strike again|publisher=Northampton Saints|date=26 May 2017|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


After a decade with the club Northampton confirmed that Foden would be leaving at the end of the 2017/18 season. In July 2018, [[Rugby United New York]] announced that they had signed Foden for the 2019 [[Major League Rugby]] Season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/ben-foden-rugby-united-new-york-joins-signs-move-major-league-rugby-mlr-a8465156.html |title=Ben Foden agrees to join new Major League Rugby side Rugby United New York after leaving Northampton Saints |work=The Independent |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref>
After a decade with the club [[Northampton Saints]] confirmed that Foden would be leaving at the end of the 2017/18 season.

In July of 2018, [[Rugby United New York]] announced that they had signed Foden for the 2019 [[Major League Rugby]] Season.<ref>https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/ben-foden-rugby-united-new-york-joins-signs-move-major-league-rugby-mlr-a8465156.html</ref>


===International===
===International===
He was included in the England U21s team for the 2005 Six Nations and [[2005 Under 21 Rugby World Championship|World Championships]], and the 2006 Six Nations and [[2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship|World Championship]]. Foden was a member of the 2006 Grand Slam winning England U21 squad, playing in all five matches and notching up three tries. He went on to play at the [[2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship]] later that year, sharing the number 9 jersey with [[Danny Care]]. He played for the England Sevens in 2006/7 and 2007/8, and the [[England Saxons]] at the [[2008 Churchill Cup]] against USA before being included in the England Elite Playing Squad.
Foden was included in the England U21s team for the 2005 Six Nations and [[2005 Under 21 Rugby World Championship|World Championships]], and the 2006 Six Nations and [[2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship|World Championship]]. Foden was a member of the 2006 Grand Slam winning England U21 squad, playing in all five matches and notching up three tries. He went on to play at the [[2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship]] later that year, sharing the number 9 jersey with [[Danny Care]]. He played for the England Sevens in 2006/7 and 2007/8, and the [[England Saxons]] at the [[2008 Churchill Cup]] against USA before being included in the England Elite Playing Squad.

Foden was named in the [[England national rugby union team|England]] squad for the [[2009 Six Nations Championship|Six Nations]] on 14 January 2009, and earned his first cap for the England v {{nrut|Italy}} match on 7 February 2009 when he came on as a replacement at scrum-half for [[Harry Ellis]], with England winning 36–11.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2009/02/08/six-nations-england-36-11-italy-harry-ellis-provides-a-boost-for-martin-johnson-115875-21106641/|title=Six Nations: England 36–11 Italy – Harry Ellis provides a boost for Martin Johnson|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=8 February 2009|first=Gary|last=Fitzgerald|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Foden was named in the [[England national rugby union team|England Elite Playing Squad]] for the [[2009 Six Nations Championship|Six Nations]] on 14 January 2009, and earned his first cap for the England v {{nrut|Italy}} match on 7 February 2009 when he came on as a replacement at scrum-half for [[Harry Ellis]], with England winning 36–11.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2009/02/08/six-nations-england-36-11-italy-harry-ellis-provides-a-boost-for-martin-johnson-115875-21106641/|title=Six Nations: England 36–11 Italy – Harry Ellis provides a boost for Martin Johnson|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=8 February 2009|first=Gary|last=Fitzgerald|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Foden was included in the England squad for the 2009 summer tour against the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]] and [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] and made his first start for [[England national rugby union team|England]] in the uncapped game against the Barbarians on 30 May 2009, a game which saw him playing on the [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]] and scoring a [[Try (rugby)|try]] in the 32nd minute.<ref name="The Telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/5413306/England-26-Barbarians-33-Match-report.html|work=The Telegraph|title=England 26 Barbarians 33: Match report|first=Steve|last=James|date=30 May 2009|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Despite fullback [[Delon Armitage]] being injured for the 2009 Investec Autumn Internationals, Foden was not included in the squad – manager [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] instead preferring to play wings [[Ugo Monye]] and [[Mark Cueto]] out of position.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6969812.ece|title=Ben Foden senses his chance to embark on another break for the limelight|work=Times|date=29 December 2009|location=London|first=John|last=Westerby|access-date=16 December 2017}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} {{subscription required}}</ref> By the [[2010 Six Nations]], Armitage was fit again, though a series of below par performances saw Foden seize the 15 shirt, with substitute performances against {{nrut|Ireland}} and {{nrut|Scotland}}, before gaining his first Test start against {{nrut|France}}. An improved performance by the England side saw Foden score his first try in a Test match, though the team lost 12–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8564940.stm|title=France 12–10 England|department=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2010|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>
He was included in the England squad for the 2009 summer tour against the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]] and [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] and made his first start for [[England national rugby union team|England]] in the uncapped game against the Barbarians on 30 May 2009, a game which saw him playing on the [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]] and scoring a [[try]] in the 32nd minute.<ref name="The Telegraph">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/5413306/England-26-Barbarians-33-Match-report.html|work=The Telegraph|title=England 26 Barbarians 33: Match report|first=Steve|last=James|date=30 May 2009|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Despite fullback [[Delon Armitage]] being injured for the 2009 Investec Autumn Internationals, Foden was not included in the squad – manager [[Martin Johnson (rugby union)|Martin Johnson]] instead preferring to play wings [[Ugo Monye]] and [[Mark Cueto]] out of position.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6969812.ece|title=Ben Foden senses his chance to embark on another break for the limelight|work=Times|date=29 December 2009|location=London|first=John|last=Westerby|accessdate=16 December 2017}} {{subscription required}}</ref> By the [[2010 Six Nations]], Armitage was fit again, though a series of below par performances saw Foden seize the 15 shirt, with substitute performances against {{nrut|Ireland}} and {{nrut|Scotland}}, before gaining his first Test start against {{nrut|France}}. An improved performance by the England side saw Foden score his first try in a Test match, though the team lost 12–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8564940.stm|title=France 12–10 England|department=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2010|first=Tom|last=Fordyce|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Foden retained his starting place for the summer tour to {{nrut|Australia}}, playing with club colleague [[Chris Ashton]]. Although England lost the first Test,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8734071.stm|title=Australia 27–17 England |date=12 June 2010|department=BBC Sport|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref> they won the second 20–21. He also featured as a replacement in an uncapped game for England against the {{nrut|New Zealand Maori}} side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scrum.com/englandtour2010/rugby/story/118225.html|title=Maori stun England for famous win|date=23 June 2010|publisher=Scrum.com|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


Foden was named in the elite player squad for the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/8777828.stm|title=Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick out of elite squad|date=1 July 2010|department=BBC Sport|access-date=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Foden retained his starting place for the summer tour to {{nrut|Australia}}, playing with club colleague [[Chris Ashton]]. Although England lost the first Test,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8734071.stm|title=Australia 27–17 England |date=12 June 2010|department=BBC Sport|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> they won the second 20–21. Foden cited this as his greatest day as a rugby player.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1288134/Australia-20-England-21-Martin-Johnsons-men-make-proud-Ben-Youngs-Courtney-Lawes-secure-famous-win.html?ito=feeds-newsxml|title=Australia 20 England 21: Martin Johnson's men make us proud!|date=21 June 2010|work=Daily Mail|publisher=Mail Online|location=London|first=Chris|last=Foy|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> He also featured as a replacement in an uncapped game for England against the {{nrut|New Zealand Maori}} side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scrum.com/englandtour2010/rugby/story/118225.html|title=Maori stun England for famous win|date=23 June 2010|publisher=Scrum.com|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Later that year he cemented his place as England's first-choice fullback, his early flirtation with scrum-half shelved after some strong form. Foden was a key member of the side that beat Australia twice in 2010 and also started all of England's Six Nations games as they came up short of a Grand Slam in 2011. He gained more metres (100.6) in the 2011 6 Nations than any other player in the Championship. Foden was selected for England's 2011 World Cup squad, holding off the challenge of Delon Armitage to retain the fullback shirt during England's disappointing campaign.


===Television===
He also had the distinction of gaining more metres (100.6) in the 2011 RBS 6 Nations than any other player in the Championship. Teammate Chris Ashton was third with 74, half a metre behind Maxime Médard, of France.
In October 2019, Foden was a contestant in ''[[The X Factor: Celebrity]]'' as a member of the group, Try Star, alongside Levi Davis and [[Thom Evans]]. They were eliminated in the semi-final, finishing in fifth place.


In January 2022, Foden was a contestant on the [[Dancing on Ice series 14|fourteenth series]] of ''[[Dancing on Ice]]''. He was paired with [[Robin Johnstone]] and they were the first couple to be eliminated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dancing on Ice star Ben Foden's wife calls show "unfair" after his exit |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a38877792/dancing-on-ice-ben-foden-wife-elimination/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=19 August 2024 |date=25 January 2022}}</ref>
He was named in the elite player squad for the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/8777828.stm|title=Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick out of elite squad|date=1 July 2010|department=BBC Sport|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Later that year he cemented his place as England's first-choice fullback, his early flirtation with scrum-half shelved after some strong form. Foden was a key member of the side that beat Australia twice in 2010 and also started all of England's Six Nations games as they came up short of a Grand Slam in 2011. Foden was selected for England's 2011 World Cup squad, holding off the challenge of Delon Armitage to retain the fullback shirt during England's disappointing campaign.


==International tries==
==International tries==
Line 112: Line 132:
|6||{{ru|FRA}}||Paris, France||[[Stade de France]]||[[2012 Six Nations]]||{{dts|format=dmy|2012|03|11}}||Won
|6||{{ru|FRA}}||Paris, France||[[Stade de France]]||[[2012 Six Nations]]||{{dts|format=dmy|2012|03|11}}||Won
|-
|-
|7||{{ru|RSA}}||[[Durban]], [[South Africa]]||[[Mr Price Kings Park]]||Test match||{{dts|format=dmy|2012|June|9}}||Lost
|7||{{ru|RSA}}||[[Durban]], [[South Africa]]||[[Kings Park Stadium|Mr Price Kings Park]]||Test match||{{dts|format=dmy|2012|June|9}}||Lost
|}
|}


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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Foden was married to [[Una Healy]] of British-Irish girl group, [[The Saturdays]]. They married on 30 June 2012 in her native [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1660217/una-healy-on-keeping-the-spark-alive-in-her-marriage-and-why-she-doesnt-want-any-more-children/|title='WE WORK TO KEEP THINGS FRESH' Una Healy on keeping the spark alive in her marriage and why she doesn’t want any more children|author=Natalie Edwards|date=28 August 2016|work=The Sun|location=London|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> On 13 March 2012, Una gave birth to their daughter, Aoife Belle Foden, who is the couple's first child.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2114418/Una-Healy-baby-Saturdays-singer-gives-birth-little-girl-Ben-Foden.html|author=Sarah Bull||date=13 March 2012|title=Just in time for Mother's Day! Una Healy gives birth to baby girl Aoife with fiancé Ben Foden|work=[[Daily Mail]]|accessdate=16 December 2017}}</ref> Una confirmed on her Instagram page in September 2014 that she and Foden were expecting their second child together, due in 2015. Their son Tadhg John Foden was born on 2 February 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/2015022323600/una-foden-ben-foden-introduce-baby/|title=Una Foden and Ben Foden introduce baby Tadhg|work=Hello!|accessdate=3 January 2018}}</ref> In July 2018, it was announced that Foden and Healy had separated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anderton |first=Joe |title=The Saturdays' Una Healy splits from husband Ben Foden |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/news/a862624/the-saturdays-una-healy-splits-husband-ben-foden/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Communications]] |accessdate=29 July 2018 |location=United Kingdom |language=en |date=28 July 2018 |deadurl=no}}</ref>
Foden married [[Una Healy]] of girl group [[The Saturdays]] on 30 June 2012 in her native [[Ireland]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Una Healy: Wedding was 'best day' |language=en-GB |work=belfasttelegraph |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/una-healy-wedding-was-best-day-28767050.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> They have two children, daughter Aoife (b.2012) and son Tadhg (b.2015).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/2015022323600/una-foden-ben-foden-introduce-baby/|title=Una Foden and Ben Foden introduce baby Tadhg|work=Hello!|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref> In July 2018, it was announced that Foden and Healy had separated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Anderton |first=Joe |title=The Saturdays' Una Healy splits from husband Ben Foden |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/news/a862624/the-saturdays-una-healy-splits-husband-ben-foden/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Communications]] |access-date=29 July 2018 |location=United Kingdom |language=en |date=28 July 2018 }}</ref> Foden married Jackie Belanoff-Smith in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Fionnuala |last=Moran |date=June 8, 2019 |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ie/entertainment/celebrity/who-is-ben-fodens-new-wife-jackie-belanoff-smith-foden/ar-AAFqMxE |title=Who is Ben Foden’s new wife Jackie Belanoff Smith Foden? |website=www.msn.com |access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref> On 20 May 2020, Jackie gave birth to their daughter Farrah.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ben Foden and wife Jackie Belanoff welcome first child together|url=https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/breaking-ben-foden-welcomes-baby-22072054|last=Soguksu|first=Ayla|date=2020-05-22|website=OK! Magazine|access-date=2020-05-22}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 125: Line 145:
==External links==
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120829034300/http://www.england-rugby.com/squadsandplayers/englandelite/benfoden England profile]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120829034300/http://www.england-rugby.com/squadsandplayers/englandelite/benfoden England profile]
*[https://archive.is/20130114030920/http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/match/senior_playing_squad.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic Northampton Saints Profile]
*[https://archive.today/20130114030920/http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/match/senior_playing_squad.php?player=6877&includeref=dynamic Northampton Saints Profile]
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715234551/http://www.salesharks.com/player_info?id=68 |date=15 July 2011 |title=Sale Profile }}
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715234551/http://www.salesharks.com/player_info?id=68 |date=15 July 2011 |title=Sale Profile }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131114010733/http://www.premiershiprugby.com/matchcentre/fixtures/squads.php?includeref=dynamic&player=6877 Premiership Profile]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131114010733/http://www.premiershiprugby.com/matchcentre/fixtures/squads.php?includeref=dynamic&player=6877 Premiership Profile]
*[http://www.whitchurchrugbyclub.co.uk/ Whitchurch Rugby Club]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090217222323/http://whitchurchrugbyclub.co.uk/ Whitchurch Rugby Club]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133949/http://www.statbunker.com/rugby/btb/index.php?PL=player&PlayerID=12222&PlayerCompType=&season=&StatType=&pointsType=&PlayerInClubID= Career Stats@Statbunker ]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133949/http://www.statbunker.com/rugby/btb/index.php?PL=player&PlayerID=12222&PlayerCompType=&season=&StatType=&pointsType=&PlayerInClubID= Career Stats@Statbunker ]
*[http://www.rugbyunitedny.com/news/RUNY-signs-Ben-Foden RUNY Signing]


{{England Squad 2011 World Cup}}
{{England Squad 2011 World Cup}}
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[[Category:England international rugby union players]]
[[Category:England international rugby union players]]
[[Category:English rugby union players]]
[[Category:English rugby union players]]
[[Category:English expatriate rugby union players in the United States]]
[[Category:Northampton Saints players]]
[[Category:Northampton Saints players]]
[[Category:People educated at Bromsgrove School]]
[[Category:People educated at Bromsgrove School]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Chester]]
[[Category:Rugby New York players]]
[[Category:Sale Sharks players]]
[[Category:Sale Sharks players]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Chester]]
[[Category:Rugby union fullbacks]]
[[Category:2011 Rugby World Cup players]]

Latest revision as of 21:50, 27 November 2024

Ben Foden
Ben Foden playing for Northampton in 2012
Birth nameBenjamin James Foden
Date of birth (1985-07-22) 22 July 1985 (age 39)
Place of birthChester, England
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight93 kg (14 st 9 lb) [1]
SchoolBromsgrove School VIth Form Tarporley Community High School
Bishop Heber High School
Malpas Cheshire
UniversityManchester University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing
Current team Rugby United New York[2]
Youth career

Crewe & Nantwich , Sandbach,

Chester
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2004–2008 Sale Sharks 54 (50)
2008–2018 Northampton Saints 250 (290)
2019–2022 Rugby United New York 35 (20)
Correct as of 1 May 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
England U16
England U19
2005–2006 England U21 2 (0)
2007–2008 England A
2009–2013 England 34 (35)

Benjamin James Foden (born 22 July 1985)[3] is an English rugby union player who plays for Rugby United New York (RUNY) in Major League Rugby (MLR). A fullback or scrum-half, he won 34 caps for England between 2009 and 2013. He also plays as a Wing.

Career

[edit]

Foden's career has been divided between playing at scrum-half and fullback, though he can also operate on the wing. In an interview in March 2009, Foden accepted that his future lay at playing fullback.[4]

Foden played for Cheshire and North of England U16s, and England U16s. He then went on to play for England U19s, and England Counties.

Club

[edit]

He joined Sale Sharks in 2004. Foden's desire to play scrum half saw him sign for Northampton Saints on the basis of a promise to play him at his preferred position; a promise that Sale Sharks could not give him,[5] considering his strong performances at full-back, and the club presence of England international scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth and the arrival of Welsh international Dwayne Peel for the next season. In the 2005–2006 season, Foden played as a replacement in the final as Sale won their first ever Premiership title.[6]

He gained his nickname of "Pop Idol" or "Pops" by missing the first day of pre-season with the Sharks for an audition on the programme.[7]

He began his Northampton Saints career competing with Lee Dickson for the scrum half position; Dickson won the battle for the scrum half shirt, and Northampton frequently used Foden at full back. In the 2008–09 season, he helped the Saints win the European Challenge Cup.[8]

In March 2011, following a Saints win over Wasps, Foden was arrested following an altercation with a taxi driver in London, but both Northampton and the RFU were happy to let the issue lie after he accepted a police caution.

In May 2014, Foden won the Aviva Premiership title with Northampton, playing 80 minutes plus extra time in the final against Saracens at full back and scoring a try.[9]

Foden played on the wing for most of the 2016-17 season, scoring five tries.[10] The most recent of those tries came as Saints secured their place in the European Rugby Champions Cup for the following campaign as they fought off Stade Francais in the European Champions Cup play-off final.[11]

After a decade with the club Northampton confirmed that Foden would be leaving at the end of the 2017/18 season. In July 2018, Rugby United New York announced that they had signed Foden for the 2019 Major League Rugby Season.[12]

International

[edit]

Foden was included in the England U21s team for the 2005 Six Nations and World Championships, and the 2006 Six Nations and World Championship. Foden was a member of the 2006 Grand Slam winning England U21 squad, playing in all five matches and notching up three tries. He went on to play at the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship later that year, sharing the number 9 jersey with Danny Care. He played for the England Sevens in 2006/7 and 2007/8, and the England Saxons at the 2008 Churchill Cup against USA before being included in the England Elite Playing Squad.

Foden was named in the England squad for the Six Nations on 14 January 2009, and earned his first cap for the England v Italy match on 7 February 2009 when he came on as a replacement at scrum-half for Harry Ellis, with England winning 36–11.[13]

Foden was included in the England squad for the 2009 summer tour against the Barbarians and Argentina and made his first start for England in the uncapped game against the Barbarians on 30 May 2009, a game which saw him playing on the wing and scoring a try in the 32nd minute.[14]

Despite fullback Delon Armitage being injured for the 2009 Investec Autumn Internationals, Foden was not included in the squad – manager Martin Johnson instead preferring to play wings Ugo Monye and Mark Cueto out of position.[15] By the 2010 Six Nations, Armitage was fit again, though a series of below par performances saw Foden seize the 15 shirt, with substitute performances against Ireland and Scotland, before gaining his first Test start against France. An improved performance by the England side saw Foden score his first try in a Test match, though the team lost 12–10.[16]

Foden retained his starting place for the summer tour to Australia, playing with club colleague Chris Ashton. Although England lost the first Test,[17] they won the second 20–21. He also featured as a replacement in an uncapped game for England against the New Zealand Maori side.[18]

Foden was named in the elite player squad for the 2010–11 season.[19] Later that year he cemented his place as England's first-choice fullback, his early flirtation with scrum-half shelved after some strong form. Foden was a key member of the side that beat Australia twice in 2010 and also started all of England's Six Nations games as they came up short of a Grand Slam in 2011. He gained more metres (100.6) in the 2011 6 Nations than any other player in the Championship. Foden was selected for England's 2011 World Cup squad, holding off the challenge of Delon Armitage to retain the fullback shirt during England's disappointing campaign.

Television

[edit]

In October 2019, Foden was a contestant in The X Factor: Celebrity as a member of the group, Try Star, alongside Levi Davis and Thom Evans. They were eliminated in the semi-final, finishing in fifth place.

In January 2022, Foden was a contestant on the fourteenth series of Dancing on Ice. He was paired with Robin Johnstone and they were the first couple to be eliminated.[20]

International tries

[edit]
Try Opposing team Location Venue Competition Date Result
† Barbarian F.C. London, England Twickenham Summer International 30 May 2009 Lost [14]
1  France Paris, France Stade de France Six Nations 20 March 2010 Lost
2  South Africa London, England Twickenham Test match 27 November 2010 Lost
3  France London, England Twickenham Six Nations 26 February 2011 Won
4  Romania Dunedin, New Zealand Dunedin World Cup 24 September 2011 Won
5  France Auckland, New Zealand Eden Park World Cup 8 October 2011 Lost
6  France Paris, France Stade de France 2012 Six Nations 11 March 2012 Won
7  South Africa Durban, South Africa Mr Price Kings Park Test match 9 June 2012 Lost

† Full international cap not awarded for Barbarians Test match [14]

Personal life

[edit]

Foden married Una Healy of girl group The Saturdays on 30 June 2012 in her native Ireland.[21] They have two children, daughter Aoife (b.2012) and son Tadhg (b.2015).[22] In July 2018, it was announced that Foden and Healy had separated.[23] Foden married Jackie Belanoff-Smith in 2019.[24] On 20 May 2020, Jackie gave birth to their daughter Farrah.[25]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "RFU Official Site of the RFU, Governing Body of Rugby Union in England". web page. RFU. Archived from the original on 18 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  2. ^ "Rugby Union should learn from US sports over player welfare, says Ben Foden". BBC Sport. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  3. ^ "RFU Official Site of the Northampton Saints - Player Profiles". RFU. Archived from the original on 13 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  4. ^ Wildman, Rob (13 March 2009). "Northampton's Ben Foden accepts his future is at full-back". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Saint in distress". Manchester Evening News. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Sale 45-20 Leicester". BBC Sport. 27 May 2006. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  7. ^ Walsh, David (25 January 2009). "Ben Foden, rugby's Mr Versatile". London: Times Online. Retrieved 16 December 2017.[dead link‍] (subscription required)
  8. ^ Pryor, Matthew (23 May 2009). "Northampton lift European Challenge Cup". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2017. (subscription required)
  9. ^ "Premiership final: Saracens 20-24 Northampton Saints". BBC Sport. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  10. ^ Ben Foden Archived 7 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine Northampton Saints. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  11. ^ "SAINTS 23 STADE FRANCAIS 22 Friday night May lights strike again". Northampton Saints. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  12. ^ "Ben Foden agrees to join new Major League Rugby side Rugby United New York after leaving Northampton Saints". The Independent. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  13. ^ Fitzgerald, Gary (8 February 2009). "Six Nations: England 36–11 Italy – Harry Ellis provides a boost for Martin Johnson". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  14. ^ a b c James, Steve (30 May 2009). "England 26 Barbarians 33: Match report". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  15. ^ Westerby, John (29 December 2009). "Ben Foden senses his chance to embark on another break for the limelight". Times. London. Retrieved 16 December 2017.[dead link‍] (subscription required)
  16. ^ Fordyce, Tom (20 March 2010). "France 12–10 England". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  17. ^ "Australia 27–17 England". BBC Sport. 12 June 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  18. ^ "Maori stun England for famous win". Scrum.com. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  19. ^ "Ex-England captain Steve Borthwick out of elite squad". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  20. ^ "Dancing on Ice star Ben Foden's wife calls show "unfair" after his exit". Digital Spy. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  21. ^ "Una Healy: Wedding was 'best day'". belfasttelegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  22. ^ "Una Foden and Ben Foden introduce baby Tadhg". Hello!. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  23. ^ Anderton, Joe (28 July 2018). "The Saturdays' Una Healy splits from husband Ben Foden". Digital Spy. United Kingdom: Hearst Communications. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  24. ^ Moran, Fionnuala (8 June 2019). "Who is Ben Foden's new wife Jackie Belanoff Smith Foden?". www.msn.com. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  25. ^ Soguksu, Ayla (22 May 2020). "Ben Foden and wife Jackie Belanoff welcome first child together". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
[edit]
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