Injury created self-doubt in Tom Youngs

Newly announced Leicester captain Tom Youngs admitted that the back injury he sustained earlier in the year created a self-doubt in himself of representing England again.

Youngs suffered the injury during his stint with Leicester prior to their encounter against Sale Sharks on 6th February following his return from one-week ban and had to undergo a surgery to address his disc problem in his back.

The 29-year-old last played for England in the 2015 World Cup, where he appeared in all the four matches, but has been overlooked ever since Eddie Jones took over from Stuart Lancaster.

Admitting the injury dented his confidence a bit, the front-rower is hopeful of representing his country again.

"You always have to keep the goal there to get back in the England side. I don't think you can ever lose sight of it," Youngs told BBC.

"Because I was injured, yes you do end up doubting yourself a little. But you soon dust yourself down, get back here, train again and then you are ticking along again.

"I've always had determination, but there is probably a bit more there now to prove people wrong and prove to myself that I'm good enough."

Youngs was recently announced as the captain for the upcoming season by Leicester and he has been associated with the club since 2006 featuring in 71 Aviva Premiership games.

The England hooker has made his intention clear that his immediate focus will be to remain fit and do well for the club in the upcoming season.

"It's never great not being selected, but there is no point moping about because you need to be training hard. I'm not one to mope, I just say 'fair enough, I understand' and then go off and work on things I need to work on," Youngs said.

"The back injury was probably the worst thing, because I couldn't prove anything.

"If I get the phone call great, but I'll concentrate on getting fit, playing and leading by exam