Exclusive: Rejuvenated Youngs ready for England duty

England scrum-half Ben Youngs is raring to go for the autumn internationals beginning this weekend against Fiji.

He suffered a shoulder injury while playing for the national team against South Africa in June and required surgery but has now returned to club action.

“I’ve got back from injury and have played four games. I am happy and the shoulder feels good,” said Youngs.

“I did not train last week but I trained today [Monday] and it was nice to get back out with the boys.”

Youngs has been pleased with his form since his enforced spell on the sidelines.

“I was happy with the way things went against the Ospreys and against Sale when I managed to get over for a try,” he added.

Youngs has taken a positive view of his time away from the game and believes it could prove beneficial.

“I had a long lay-off but it was probably a good thing. I was able to regroup and freshen up and get ready for a long season,” stated Youngs.

He hopes to make his England return in the match against Fiji before internationals against three other southern hemisphere nations. But Youngs insists that playing Fiji first is not being viewed as a gentle opener before the main event.

“We don’t prepare any differently. We treat Fiji just as we would Australia, South Africa or New Zealand," the Leicester Tigers commented.

"For us it is another great challenge but we can focus a little bit more on ourselves as we don’t have to do as much video analysis as we don’t know who will be in their team."

The 23-year-old who has 24 caps made his debut for the national side as an emergency winger in the Six Nations win over Scotland in 2010. But this week has been particularly special for Youngs  as he has been joined in the England squad by younger brother Tom.

"I have always been his biggest fan. I always thought he would make it and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully he will get a run out this weekend and it will be a very proud moment," he added. 

Ben Youngs was speaking at the launch of O2's Inside Line, the weekly behind the scenes show from inside the England camp.