BEN COHEN RETIRES TO COMBAT HOMOPHOBIA

English rugby hunk Ben Cohen has announced that he has retired from the sport to focus on his campaign against bullying and homophobia.

“After a glittering 15 years of top flight rugby, 57 caps for his country and 31 tries, Ben Cohen MBE has decided to hang up his boots to fully take over his new role of Chairman to the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first anti-bullying organisation,” said a statement posted on Cohen’s website.

“I have reached the top in my sport. It has been an incredible journey and has put me in the privileged position I am in today to be able to work on these exciting new projects through the StandUp Brand. As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it,” he said.

The 32 year old Cohen recently launched ‘The Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour’, a US tour to combat homophobia. At the launch he said that he felt compelled to ‘Stand Up’ against homophobia and bullying and that it was time to ‘Stand Up’ for tolerance, equality and love.

“If we save one person’s life, or get someone to think different, then I’m doing a good job,” he said.

Cohen, who developed a strong gay following over the years thanks to his good looks and gay-friendly stance, is married to Abby Cohen. They have twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle and live in rural Northamptonshire.