England star Ben Youngs’ enthusiasm is good blueprint for anyone – Ellis Genge

Ellis Genge admires the infectious enthusiasm of Ben Youngs as his Leicester team-mate stands on the brink of becoming England’s most capped player.

Youngs is expected to be restored to the starting XV for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales after dropping to the bench for the five-try rout of Italy in round two.

A special milestone awaits the 32-year-old at Twickenham where he will overtake Jason Leonard’s 114 appearances to set a new record for England in the men’s game.

Beyond the achievement itself, Genge applauds the fact that Youngs has reached the landmark doing it his way – with a smile.

“Ben’s a larger than life character, full of energy, driving standards. He’s just so much fun to be around,” Genge said.

“You’d think he’d get bored of it, but he turns up every day with a smile on his face regardless of what you’re doing, puts his arm round you and always pushes you to do your best.

“I don’t think anyone thinks he’s done after this weekend. What explains his longevity? Firstly being a scrum-half, he doesn’t take too much contact. I can’t see myself making it that long. Probably that helps.

“I’m not going to tell you he’s the most diligent bloke, does all these secret tricks to make his career long and prosperous. That’s not the case and he’d tell you that himself.

“Ben has never taken himself too seriously. He got his head down, done what he’s needed to do and then gone above and beyond to achieve his goals being himself.

“It’s a good blueprint for anyone else. You don’t have to be a cardboard cutout of anyone else. Do your own thing and hopefully that takes you all the way.”

Youngs has been playing despite personal trauma as his older brother Tom, a predecessor of Genge as Leicester captain,