Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs says only after getting the job done in Rome can he now reflect on the achievement of reaching 100 Test appearances for England.
Youngs scored tries and shone in the 29-point win over Italy on Saturday evening, which helped to secure the Six Nations Championship for England, and was voted Man of the Match for his efforts in Rome.
Speaking after the final whistle, Youngs said: “I didn’t want to build up too much during the week … I wanted to focus on the process of playing, which was the most important thing for us, and coming here trying to do the job.”
“I’ll reflect on it now with the boys and absorb what an achievement it is.
“I am very proud but the most important thing was playing my part in this team.”
Always the team man, the Tigers No.9 admitted it was now time to look ahead – personally and as a squad – which was an “exciting” prospect.
“It’s a nice milestone, but I’ve got the desire to kick on with these boys,” he said.
“With all the young caps coming in, it’s an exciting time to be a part of it.”
England captain Owen Farrell, when asked about the milestone achievement of his international team-mate, added: “To be the age that he is, still so young, and get a hundred caps … it’s a massive achievement.”
