Who is Ben Youngs?

Ben Youngs is a celebrated English rugby union player renowned for his role as a scrum-half. Born on September 5, 1989, in Aylsham, Norfolk, England, Youngs has dedicated his entire professional career to the Leicester Tigers, making his debut at just 17 years old in 2007. Over the years, he has become England’s most-capped men’s player, earning 127 international caps before retiring from international rugby in 2023. Known for his agility, quick decision-making, and leadership on the field, Youngs has been instrumental in both his club’s and country’s successes.​

🏡 Personal Life

Off the pitch, Ben Youngs leads a grounded and family-focused life. He is married to Charlotte Youngs, and the couple shares two children: a son named Boris and a daughter named Billie. Despite the demanding schedule of a professional rugby player, Ben has maintained a strong commitment to family life. His devotion to both his career and family responsibilities is often cited as one of the traits that define his character both on and off the field.

In interviews, Ben has spoken about the importance of his family as a source of balance and support throughout his playing career. He and his wife have also been active in various charity initiatives, particularly those related to children’s health and family well-being.

🧑‍🎓 Early Life and Education

Ben Youngs was born Benjamin Ryder Youngs on September 5, 1989, in Aylsham, Norfolk, England. From an early age, he was immersed in a sporting environment. His father, Nick Youngs, was a former England international who also played scrum-half, while his brother, Tom Youngs, went on to become a professional rugby player as well, playing as a hooker for the Leicester Tigers and earning caps for England. Growing up in such an athletically inclined family laid the foundation for Ben’s successful rugby career.

Ben attended Gresham’s School, a well-regarded independent boarding school in Norfolk, known for its strong sporting programs. His time at Gresham’s provided not only an academic foundation but also an opportunity to hone his rugby skills. He later continued his studies at Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College, a sixth-form college in Leicester, which allowed him to balance his education with his rapidly developing rugby career.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family and Rugby Lineage

Rugby runs deep in the Youngs family. Ben’s father, Nick Youngs, played as a scrum-half for both Leicester Tigers and England, setting a precedent that both Ben and his older brother Tom would follow. This remarkable family legacy continued when both sons played together at Leicester and represented England.

His brother Tom Youngs, who played as a hooker, had his own decorated career, including appearances for the national team and contributing significantly to Leicester’s domestic successes. The bond between the brothers on the field was often noted by fans and commentators, adding an emotional layer to many of their matches together.

This deep-rooted family legacy of rugby not only shaped Ben’s development but also instilled a strong sense of loyalty and identity with the Leicester Tigers—his one and only club throughout his career.

🧬 Detailed Biography

🏉 Professional Career

📍 Club Career: Leicester Tigers

Ben Youngs made his debut for Leicester Tigers in 2007 at the young age of 17, becoming one of the club’s youngest-ever players. He came onto the scene with tremendous promise and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s line-up. His breakthrough came in the 2009–10 season, when he became the starting scrum-half, scoring a try in the Premiership Final victory over Saracens. That year, he was named Leicester Tigers’ Player of the Season and won the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award.

Over the next decade and a half, Youngs became synonymous with the club’s success. He won the Premiership Rugby title five times (2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2022) and became a fan favorite due to his consistency, leadership, and tactical brilliance. By 2025, he had made 332 appearances for Leicester, a testament to his longevity and resilience in one of the world’s most physically demanding sports.

Youngs announced his retirement from professional rugby in April 2025, marking the end of an 18-year tenure with the Leicester Tigers. His farewell is a deeply emotional moment for fans of the club and English rugby.

🏆 International Career: England & British & Irish Lions

Ben Youngs made his England debut in 2010 and quickly became a staple in the national squad. In 2022, he became England’s most capped men’s player, finishing his international career with 127 caps and 100 points. He played in three Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, and 2019) and started in the 2019 World Cup Final against South Africa.

He also featured in the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013, further solidifying his reputation as one of the elite scrum-halves in the game. Although he withdrew from the Lions’ 2017 tour due to family illness, his selection underscored his high standing in world rugby.

His international career was characterized by tactical intelligence, crisp passing, sharp kicks, and a knack for controlling the tempo of high-stakes matches.

🎓 Post-Retirement and Beyond

After retirement, Youngs is set to pursue multiple ventures, including launching a rugby podcast and taking on a role as Head of Performance Sport at Gresham’s School, giving back to the institution where it all began. This marks a new chapter in his life, focused on mentoring, media, and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game with future generations.

Ben Youngs’ legacy is not just about statistics or titles. It’s a story of passion, family, loyalty, and leadership. His career, marked by loyalty to a single club and dedication to the national team, stands as a blueprint for aspiring rugby players worldwide.

🏉 Ben Youngs – Career Summary

Ben Youngs’ career is marked by his unwavering commitment to both club and country. His record-breaking number of caps for England and his status as a one-club man with Leicester Tigers underscore his dedication and impact on the sport. As he transitions into retirement, his contributions to rugby, both on and off the field, continue to resonate within the rugby community.

📢 Latest News

​On April 22, 2025, Ben Youngs, England’s most-capped men’s rugby player, announced his decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season. The 35-year-old scrum-half has spent his entire 18-year club career with Leicester Tigers, making 332 appearances since his debut at age 17 in 2007. Youngs expressed mixed emotions about his retirement, stating, “It’s a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously, I’m sad at the thought it’s coming to an end but I’m excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do.” He emphasized his pride in being a one-club player, highlighting that finishing his career with Leicester Tigers is one of his greatest achievements. Youngs plans to focus on completing the season on a high note before transitioning to post-retirement endeavors, including launching a rugby podcast and taking on a role at Gresham’s School, his alma mater, as head of performance sport.

📏 Height & Physical Appearance

Standing at 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) and weighing 92 kilograms (14 stone 7 pounds), Ben Youngs possesses a physique well-suited for the demands of a scrum-half. His stature has contributed to his agility and quick reflexes on the field, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and execute rapid plays effectively. His physical fitness and endurance have been key factors in his longevity and consistent performance throughout his career.​

📱 Social Media Accounts

💰 Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Ben Youngs’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million USD. This wealth has been accumulated through his professional rugby career, including club contracts, international appearances, endorsements, and media engagements. His recent ventures, such as launching a rugby podcast and taking on a coaching role at Gresham’s School, are expected to contribute to his income post-retirement.​