England Six Nations star Ben Earl gets 'emotional' in interview after Ireland win
England star Ben Earl gave an emotional interview after their Six Nations win over Ireland.
England rugby star Ben Earl gave an emotional interview to ITV in the aftermath of his side's last-gasp Six Nations victory over Ireland. Marcus Smith's 80th-minute drop-goal gave the hosts the win at Twickenham to spark jubilant scenes, before man of the match Earl laid his emotions bare on TV at full-time.
Earl admitted that he was "emotional" as his thoughts were with England captain Jamie George, after his mother sadly passed away during the tournament.
He took a moment to pause and soak in the occasion, gathering his feelings before speaking with the broadcaster. "Unbelievable really," Earl reflected on the match. "I am a bit emotional because Jamie lost his mum recently and we have spoken a lot about that."
George's mother Jane passed away from lung cancer just weeks after he had been named England skipper. The prop was able to find comfort that she was able to watch him wear the armband on two occasions and opened up on a difficult few weeks.
"We've been going through a lot as a family for a long period," he said before England's defeat to Scotland. "The deterioration she had was really fast.
"I found out on Sunday about the fact that she was terminal, and she passed away on Wednesday. My mum was the biggest rugby fan on earth, she loved this team, loved watching me play, she never missed a game."
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??????️ 'I'm a bit emotional because... Jamie lost his mum the other week, Danny's 100th appearance, apparently we're the worst England team ever. We've done pretty well for that accolade'
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2024
?????????????????????????????????????????? Ben Earl after England's win over Ireland pic.twitter.com/K4jeZxJ2MI
After sending positive thoughts to George, Earl also discussed the momentous occasion for veteran scrum-half Danny Care. He made his 100th international cap off the bench to help inspire England to glory against an Ireland team expected to win and take the Six Nations crown, before aiming a dig at their recent critics.
"Then Danny’s 100th cap," he added. "And some of the rubbish that has been thrown at this team in the past week, apparently we are 'the worst England team ever' we have done well for that accolade. We knew from the beginning if we played our best game we would have a chance. Everything came together today, we are very fortunate.
"We've been training like that every day, sometimes it doesn't translate onto the pitch, people don't see half the stuff we do, but they can write what they want. I am just so pleased, that's where we can take this team. I am working hard, we are all working hard. Playing the best team in the world it brings the best out of you, credit to Ireland and credit to the fans."