Twickenham became like a second home for the now 36-year-old Flood during his outstanding professional career. He played 32 times there for England during a 60-cap international career and also won the Premiership title twice with Leicester Tigers.
Flood is preparing to take a step back from the professional game – on Sunday he heads back to Newcastle Falcons to complete the season with them as their skills and kicking coach before standing down – and his life-rugby balance has changed during his time studying for an MBA in business at Cambridge. Now he sees there is something other than sport open to him.
“I will leave rugby at the end of the season, complete my MBA and then look to move into the corporate world. The course I’m on has opened my eyes to a world of new opportunities,” he said.
“I won’t be turning my back fully on rugby, and there might even be a chance of pushing for a second Varsity appearance before my course ends, but that’s it for me as far as the professional game is concerned.
“James Horwill and Flip van der Merwe, who were on my course last year, missed out on a second Varsity Match due to Covid. I’m more aware that you don’t want to be 105 and trying to chase 20-year-olds!”
As Flood prepares to take a step back from the professional game, Benson is about to step up. Or is he?
There is no doubting his talent, but his decision to put his education on a level par with his sporting ambitions has raised a few eyebrows. He will remain with Quins, but won’t be a daily part of their academy as he concentrates on his Natural Science degree for the next two years.
“I’ve always valued the importance of my education and when I was considering my career after school there was always going to be a strong academic stand to it. Once I got a place at Cambridge it was going to be very difficult to turn down,” said Benson.
“I don’t see it as putting my rugby career on hold. I’ve been able to play for England and Quins this season, although I understand I’m not getting the full academy experience of some of the other young players at Harlequins.
“I have picked my horse and I have to back my decision to the hilt. When I was away with England U20 I didn’t get the chance to socialise that much with my teammates because I was in my room doing online lectures and studying.
“I guess that’s the price I have to pay, but I believe it is going to be well worth it in the end. Trying to balance college work and training is going to be difficult, but it just means you have to be well organised.”
