The Profile
The rugby career behind the headlines.
Ben Youngs became the most capped England scrum half in history during his international career, earning more than one hundred and twenty Test appearances across more than a decade in the side. His club career at Leicester Tigers spanned the entire professional era and he was a Premiership winner in two separate title windows, playing alongside many of the best forwards in the English game.
His kicking game was tactically precise rather than spectacular, and his pass off the base of the ruck was the kind of delivery that freed the English fly halves he played with to focus on decision making rather than technique. That kind of scrum half play is undervalued by supporters who want fireworks but is treasured by the ten and the back three he was supplying.
Post-retirement, he has moved into media work and speaking engagements. He is one of the most generous speakers the Steam circuit has hosted, and at the double event in February 2025 alongside Joe Marler, the rapport between the two of them made for one of our most memorable lunches.
“Playing scrum half is like being a tour guide. If I do my job well, you will not remember me. If I do it badly, everybody will.”
Career highlights
- 124 England caps
- Two Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers
- British and Irish Lions tourist
- Most capped Leicester Tigers player
- Rugby World Cup runner up, 2019
First hand
Ben Youngs at Steam
Ben has spoken at Steam three times. The Joe Marler double act in February 2025 was the most raucous of the lot.