BenYoungs

A veteran of 70 Test caps, two Rugby World Cups and three RBS 6 Nations titles – Ben Youngs will be one of the most experienced players on tour with The British & Irish Lions this summer.

The scrum-half, who made his international debut aged 20, is set to embark on his second British & Irish Lions Tour after playing in two Tests against Australia in 2013.

The son of former Leicester Tigers and England scrum-half Nick Youngs and the younger brother of fellow England international and Lions hooker Tom Youngs, Ben comes from a strong rugby background.

Youngs made his Tigers debut in a friendly against Argentina in 2007 – the final match of British & Irish Lions coach Graham Rowntree’s career – but he rose through the ranks quickly and came off the bench in that season’s Aviva Premiership final, where Leicester beat Gloucester Rugby.

The 27-year-old made his England debut against Scotland in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations, playing on the wing in place of the injured Ugo Monye.

His first international start came against Australia later that year, where England won 21-20 with Youngs scoring the first try, and he starred along with Chris Ashton in the thrilling 35-18 win against the same team four months later.

He started all five matches of the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, which England won, and played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup – scoring a vital try against Argentina.

His strong form continued as he was selected by The British & Irish Lions four years ago, starting the second Test loss to Australia.

Youngs has often battled with Danny Care and Richard Wigglesworth for the starting England jersey, but his 70 caps is proof of how he has maintained a high level throughout his career.

Since the Lions Tour, his grip on the England No 9 jersey has strengthened, playing a pivotal role in England’s back-to-back RBS 6 Nations triumphs in 2016 and 2017.