Privacy & Cookie Policy

1. Who we are

This website (benyoungs09.com) is operated on behalf of former professional rugby union player Ben Youngs. References to “we”, “us”, or “our” in this policy refer to Ben Youngs and his authorised media and commercial representatives. We act as the data controller for personal information collected through this website.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact privacy@benyoungs09.com.

2. Personal data we collect

• Contact information such as name, email address, organisation and phone number when you voluntarily submit an enquiry.
• Engagement data including the content of your message and any preferences you share for media, speaking, or partnership opportunities.
• Technical information such as IP address, device, browser, and usage data collected via analytics and essential cookies.
• Social media interactions when you follow or engage with linked profiles (subject to each platform’s privacy terms).

3. How we use your information

We process personal data to:

• Respond to enquiries about media, partnerships, appearances, mentoring, or charitable activity.
• Schedule and manage meetings, calls, or appearances.
• Operate and improve the website, including maintaining security and troubleshooting.
• Analyse aggregated visitor behaviour to understand interest in Ben Youngs’ projects.
• Meet legal or regulatory obligations, including record keeping.

4. Legal bases for processing

We rely on the following UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 bases:

• Consent for optional cookies and replies to enquiries.
• Legitimate interests to promote Ben Youngs’ professional activities, maintain security, and grow partnerships in a proportionate manner.
• Legal obligations where processing is required for compliance with UK law.

5. Sharing your data

We only share personal data when necessary. Typical recipients include:

• Authorised representatives such as Owl Sporting Group for partnership, speaking, or commercial enquiries.
• Service providers supplying website hosting, analytics, or security under appropriate contracts.
• Regulators, law enforcement, or advisers where required to meet legal obligations or defend legal claims.

We do not sell personal information and we ensure any international transfers include appropriate safeguards.

6. Data retention

Enquiry records are retained for up to 24 months after the most recent contact, unless a longer period is required for contractual, legal, or accounting purposes. Technical analytics data is kept in accordance with the relevant provider’s default retention schedules.

7. Your rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Ask for corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your data where it is no longer required.
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw consent for processing reliant on consent at any time.
• Request data portability where applicable.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

To exercise these rights, contact privacy@benyoungs09.com. We may need to verify your identity before completing certain requests.

8. Cookies and similar technologies

Our use of cookies is explained in detail in the sections below. You can manage preferences via the cookie banner or through your browser settings.

9. Third-party links

This website links to third-party platforms (for example, Owl Sporting Group, podcast platforms, or social media). These services operate under their own privacy terms, and we encourage you to review them before providing personal information.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in law or our practices. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Significant changes will be highlighted where appropriate.

11. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function, improve user experience, and provide information to the site owners. Similar technologies include pixels, tags, and local storage.

12. Types of cookies we use

• Strictly necessary cookies: required for core functionality such as security, page navigation, and user preference storage. These cannot be switched off.
• Performance cookies: help us understand how visitors use the site (for example, aggregate analytics). We only set these when you accept optional cookies.
• Functionality cookies: remember your choices, such as cookie banner preferences, to tailor your experience.
• Third-party cookies: set by trusted partners (for example, embedded podcast players or analytics providers) when you engage with their content.

13. Cookies we set

Cookie names may vary slightly depending on the device or browser used.

14. Third-party services

We integrate services that may set their own cookies when you interact with them. These include:

• Google Analytics — analytics and performance reporting. Learn more at Google’s safeguarding data page.
• Podcast platforms — audio embeds or outbound links may set cookies governed by the relevant platform’s policy.
• Social media — links to Instagram or X may set cookies when you visit those services.

15. Managing cookies

You can control cookies in several ways:

• Use the cookie banner to accept or reject optional cookies.
• Adjust browser settings to block or delete cookies. Visit All About Cookies for guidance.
• Opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

16. Manage and clear cookies

You can also clear cookies stored on your device at any time. Doing so may sign you out of accounts or reset saved preferences.

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.
• Safari: Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.
• Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data.

If you need help, check your browser’s support pages for the latest steps.