A closer look at the career of Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped player

Ben Youngs became England’s most-capped rugby union international with his appearance against Wales on Saturday.

The 32-year-old Leicester scrum-half came off the bench at Twickenham to win his 115th cap in front of the previous record holder, World Cup-winning prop Jason Leonard, as well as playing his 50th match in the Six Nations.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at Youngs’ career record.

Youngs and Leonard are the only players with a century of England appearances and are well clear of the third name on the most-capped list, Dylan Hartley on 97.

Owen Farrell, who has 94 with his six British and Irish Lions appearances lifting him to 100 international caps overall, is set to be the next man to reach the England landmark – although he will miss the whole Six Nations with an ankle injury. Forward Courtney Lawes returned from concussion to win his 91st cap against Wales.

Youngs is only the 23rd player and the third Englishman to make a half-century of appearances in the Six Nations or its previous formats. Leonard played 54 times, including 49 starts, while winger Rory Underwood started all of his 50 games in the competition.

Youngs’ two appearances for the British and Irish Lions mean Saturday’s outing lifts him to 117 international caps overall and into the top 25 of the all-time world list, level with former South Africa forward Tendai Mtawarira.

George Gregan is the only scrum-half to win more caps than Youngs – 139 for Australia – while only seven number nines have reached three figures.

Youngs has another England century to his name in terms of points, having scored 20 tries in his international career.

That ranks him in the top 10 for his country, level with wings Chris Ashton and Mark Cueto in the last spot.