British & Irish Lions hooker Tom Youngs is eager to work his way back into Stuart Lancaster’s plans after slipping behind England rival Dylan Hartley in the pecking order.
Hartley, whose red card in last year’s Premiership final meant he missed the summer tour to Australia, reclaimed England’s No.2 jersey during the autumn internationals.
The Northampton Saints hooker has started each of their last two matches – defeat in France and last weekend’s victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
Youngs was released to his club, Leicester Tigers, this weekend for some match practice and the 27-year-old was named man-of-the-match as they beat Gloucester 11-8.
And he is already looking forward to next weekend, when England face Ireland at Twickenham, and putting in a similar display if and when he enters the fray at the home of rugby.
“Always there is a point to prove,” said Youngs. “You’re on the bench and all that and you’re a professional rugby player – you want to play rugby.
“To come back to your club and play at the weekend is great, when you have got a weekend off.
“We will meet back with England tonight and look forward to the weekend against Ireland, which will be fantastic.”
