Ben Youngs became the most-capped player in England men’s rugby history during a 23-19 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Leicester Tigers scrum-half, who followed dad Nick into the colours of club and country and spent his career playing alongside older brother Tom, made his 115th England appearance as a second-half replacement in the Six Nations contest to move one ahead of previous record-holder Jason Leonard.
Prop legend Leonard, who held the record for 21 years, was among the first to send congratulations to Youngs ahead of the game on Saturday.
All the best @benyoungs09
— Jason Leonard (@JasonLeonard114) February 26, 2022
I know Twickenham will raise the roof for your 115th cap, as I will be one of them!
I couldn’t want for a better individual to pass the mens caps record to as you are an absolute credit to the game
An absolute honour to have held the record for so long pic.twitter.com/Cm6AbeB0DB
England led 12-0 at half-time and increased this to 17 points before Wales fought back with two tries.
Head coach Eddie Jones sent on Youngs to join Tigers colleagues Ellis Genge and Freddie Steward before the lead reached 23-12, only for Wales to score in the final minute to claim a losing bonus point and it was the history-maker who finally kicked the ball off the pitch to bring the game to a close.
* Leicester Tigers host a Women’s Six Nations international when England face Ireland on Sunday, April 24 (12.00pm kick-off). Tickets and hospitality are available to book now.
*England head coach Eddie Jones is a special guest for a dinner event at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Thursday, April 28. Tickets are available now by calling the Tigers sales team on 0116 2171 215.
*Enjoying the Six Nations? Experience more international action at the Rugby World Cup in France. Official RWC Ticket and Hotel Breaks are available now.
