Youngs to set rugby record as England lines up against Wales
Ben Youngs at Gresham's in Holt on Prep School Speech Day. - Credit: Chris Taylor
North Norfolk's own Ben Youngs is poised to break the record for England men’s rugby appearances.
The 32-year-old, who lives near Aylsham and went to Gresham's School in Holt, will become England’s most capped male rugby player when he lines up in the Six Nations fixture against Wales tomorrow (Saturday, February 26).
The game will give Youngs, a scrum-half, his 115th cap, surpassing the record currently held by Jason Leonard.
England's Ben Youngs. - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Ben Youngs during a coaching session at Gresham’s Prep School in 2017. - Credit: Supplied by Gresham's
Ben Youngs, Richard Brearley and Tom Youngs at Gresham’s Speech Day 2018, when the brothers attended as special guests. - Credit: Supplied by Gresham's
Youngs, who played rugby for Gresham's during his schooling from 1996 to 2005, said he looked back on those days with find memories.
He said: "I am very grateful to the school for starting my rugby journey.”
Douglas Robb, Gresham’s headmaster, said: "Many congratulations to Ben on this fantastic achievement.
Ben Youngs playing rugby as a child. - Credit: Supplied by Gresham's
"The record speaks for itself but more than just an outstanding rugby player, Ben is a terrific role model for our young people.
Most Read
- 1 Country house with three flats, treehouse and pool up for sale
- 2 Norfolk woman dies after being stung by wasp in Spain
- 3 Tributes to "highly-valued" technician who died at Norfolk DAF dealership
- 4 Holkham pub closes to drinkers to become hotel and restaurant
- 5 'London girl' transforms her Norfolk home into the ultimate retreat
- 6 North Norfolk hotel named among most romantic and best small stays in UK
- 7 Three fire crews called to blaze in Norfolk village
- 8 Soap star ditches city life for rural Norfolk
- 9 Dinosaur spotted at Beccles Lido as part of Jurassic World film campaign
- 10 Plane gets into difficulty while landing at Norfolk airfield
"The whole Gresham's family are proud of this landmark achievement, but more importantly we are proud of him as a person.”
Ben Youngs climbs highest as Freddie Steward roars in celebration after scoring for England against South Africa during the Six Nations. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Following his GCSEs, Youngs joined the Leicester Tigers Academy and played for the England U16, U18 and U20 teams before making his Senior England debut in 2010.
His dad Nick and brother Tom also attended Gresham's and went on to play rugby for Leicester Tigers and the national team, and family's achievements continue to inspire young platers at his old school.
Ben and Tom Youngs at Gresham's on Prep School Speech Day. - Credit: Chris Taylor
Old school magazines show Youngs' talent was clear from his early years.
Reporting on the U14A team at the time, one coach said: “Ben has the speed necessary to cut open defences and scored many a try using his twinkling feet. It must also be said that Ben has a feel for the game, which means that he usually makes the correct decisions.”
Richard Brearley, Gresham's former rugby coach and deputy headmaster, said: "This is a magnificent achievement from a wonderfully talented rugby player.
"It is his electric pace, competitive spirit and determination that I remember about him at Gresham's. He was a match-winner who was a pleasure to coach and I have thoroughly enjoyed following his career with Leicester Tigers, England and the Lions."
