Biography
Few players define an era like Ben Youngs. Born on 5 September 1989 in Aylsham, Norfolk, Youngs grew into one of England’s most influential scrum-halves — and ultimately the most capped men’s international in England’s history with 127 caps. Calm under pressure, sharp around the ruck, and blessed with a devastating show-and-go, he spent his entire senior club career with Leicester Tigers, becoming a one-club legend.
He made his Leicester debut at just 17 and never looked back. From teenage prodigy to seasoned general, Youngs’ career is a masterclass in longevity, consistency, and big-game temperament.
List of Teams Played For
- Leicester Tigers (2007–2025)
- England U20 (2008–2009)
- England Saxons (2010)
- England (2010–2023)
- British & Irish Lions (2013)
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2011 Rugby World Cup
- 2015 Rugby World Cup
- 2019 Rugby World Cup (Runner-up, Final starter)
- 2023 Rugby World Cup (Third place)
Key Career Moments
Youngs burst onto the Premiership scene in 2007, becoming Leicester’s youngest-ever league player. By 2010, he was lifting silverware — and scoring a try — in the Premiership final win over Saracens.
At international level, his influence only grew. He made his England debut in March 2010, scored a solo stunner against Australia that summer, and was soon a permanent fixture in white. His leadership peaked during England’s record-equalling 18-match winning run, including the 2016 Grand Slam.
In 2019, Youngs started the Rugby World Cup Final, cementing his place among England’s greats. Three years later, he surpassed Jason Leonard to become England’s most capped men’s player. The fairytale kept rolling with another Premiership title in 2022 — his fifth.
His resilience was tested in 2024, when he underwent open-heart surgery after collapsing during a match. Remarkably, he returned to finish his career on his own terms, retiring at the end of the 2024–25 season after one final Premiership Final appearance.
Personal Life
Rugby runs deep in the Youngs family. Ben is the son of Nick Youngs, a former Leicester and England scrum-half, and brother to Tom Youngs, who also starred for Leicester Tigers.
Off the pitch, Ben is married to Charlotte, and together they have two children — Boris and Billie. Family has always been central to his decisions, including stepping away from the 2017 Lions tour for personal reasons.