Ben Youngs no intention of slowing down with England

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Ben Youngs insists he has every intention to fire on past 100 Test caps.
By Dave Craven
Published 8th Mar 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 8th Mar 2020, 17:12 BST

The England scrum-half was outstanding as he clocked up his 99th appearance for England in Saturday’s 33-30 Triple Crown win over Wales.

He has been in scintillating form of late and continues to keep No9 rival Will Heinz at bay.

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But asked if he still has more to give, the Leicester Tigers star said: “I have, yes.

BRING IT ON: England's Ben Youngs runs at Wales' Rhys Webb at Twickenham. Picture: Adam Davy/PABRING IT ON: England's Ben Youngs runs at Wales' Rhys Webb at Twickenham. Picture: Adam Davy/PA
BRING IT ON: England's Ben Youngs runs at Wales' Rhys Webb at Twickenham. Picture: Adam Davy/PA

“That’s how I feel. You’re always going to have opinions, especially after a World Cup.

“Everyone talks about cycles but I am only 30. I could be 33 at the next World Cup and I feel absolutely fine, great, in good shape and up for it. I am loving my rugby.”

Only World Cup-winning prop Jason Leonard has reached 100 caps for England to date,

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“I think Jason would be happy as he could take me for a pint and absolutely write me off!” joked Youngs.

Wales' Ken Owens (centre) tackled by England's Kyle Sinckler (left) and Ben Youngs. Picture: David Davies/PAWales' Ken Owens (centre) tackled by England's Kyle Sinckler (left) and Ben Youngs. Picture: David Davies/PA
Wales' Ken Owens (centre) tackled by England's Kyle Sinckler (left) and Ben Youngs. Picture: David Davies/PA

“He might be more excited than I will be! When I do it it’ll be lovely, but I don’t want to stop there. I have every desire to get there but want to kick on and be a part of this group.”

Youngs should have reached that milestone in England’s final Six Nations game in Rome but that has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

“It is strange,” he added, about the false finish. I love being part of this group; we love the company, thrive under Eddie (Jones) and it’s sad that the tournament is ending a week early.

“However it seems the right thing to do which is fine, we respect it. It just means we have another game later in the year to look forward to.”

Related topics:EnglandWales

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