Ben Youngs has reached a new performance peak this season, for club and country, and now the veteran Leicester and England scrum-half has revealed his motivation.
The 32-year-old is being driven by a desire to alleviate the pain and heartache of older brother Tom, who is on indefinite leave from Tigers duties to care for his seriously ill wife, Tiffany — three years after she appeared to have recovered from a blood cancer diagnosis.
For Ben, the aim is to provide a ray of light in the darkness. Asked about what has spurred him on, he said: 'The family, I guess. It has been a tough time and it continues to be a tough time. My responsibility is to try and bring some joy. That's a pretty easy motivation for me. I want to be able to do that.
Ben Youngs said his heartache regarding brother Tom's seriously ill wife is spurring him on for Leicester
'My job is to perform and try to bring some smiles for 80 minutes at the weekend. That is my role within it and that is what I have got to do.'
That is the personal dimension, which is focusing Youngs' mind, but there are professional aspects to his form renaissance. He is not yet ready to accept a changing of the guard, with Leicester or with England. He wants to extend an international career which has already yielded a century of Test caps.
So is the next World Cup a target? 'Of course,' he said. 'I absolutely strive to be a part of 2023. I feel I can add and be of value and still perform. That's certainly a goal of mine.
'Eddie (Jones) has always given me confidence. I've always enjoyed playing under him. He allows me to go out there and perform.'
Youngs was impressive during England's successful autumn campaign. He scored two tries against Tonga and played a key part in wins over Australia and South Africa.
The 32-year-old Youngs (centre) has been in scintillating form for Leicester so far this season
He is being pushed for his place by the emerging Raffi Quirke, but the Sale rookie has spoken about how Youngs is still setting the standard for aspiring English No 9s.
Youngs has worked hard for improved sharpness. He paid tribute to the input of Leicester's head of performance, Aled Walters, but his own sense of purpose has been vital.
'I know where I want to go and who can help me get there,' he said. 'My job is to try to squeeze a bit more out of the lemon and get the juice.'
There has been a
