England and Leicester hooker Tom Youngs is included in Stuart Lancaster’s 50-man training squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Norfolk born hooker tells us about the players we should be keeping an eye out for in September, a typical training week and if he really eats 7,000 calories a day!

Where did it all begin?
It all started at Holt Rugby Club in Norfolk when I was six years old. It was my local club and my cousins played there, as it was just down the road I went along too.

What would it mean to you to play in the World Cup?
It would mean everything and it’s been my main goal for a while now. It’s incredibly exciting to think it’s this year but saying that there is still a long way to go, so I’m aiming just to stay injury free and get into the final squad.

Which players do you think will have the biggest impact?
Julian Savea – New Zealand. He’s a very hard man to stop and can create something out of nothing. Then there’s David Pocock – Australia. He’s been out injured but he’s a quality player so it will be interesting to see how he goes in the World Cup.

Who are England’s toughest opponents going to be?
I think we’ve got a really tough pool. Fiji have nothing to lose… and then Australia and Wales speak for themselves so it is going to be tough. Hopefully if we get through, those difficult matches will stand us in good stead for the quarter final.

What makes up a typical training week?
Match day is usually on a Saturday so Sunday’s are all about recovery. I’ll usually jump on the Wattbike to flush out the legs. Monday is then a lighter day based on upper body weights and pulling. Tuesday is often then heaver which could be lower limb and based on pushing or a Wattbike conditioning session. Wednesdays are a rest day and then Thursdays are usually a power session either on the Wattbike or five metre sprints followed by rugby and then I’ll usually spend some time with the England throwing coach in the afternoon. On Fridays we have the captain’s run, focus on some line outs and just generally make sure we’re feeling good ahead of the match.

Do you really eat 7,000 calories a day!?
I doubt it! On a heavy day I guess that might not be far off, but I don’t really keep count of what I eat or don’t eat. I don’t eat rubbish, it’s the right thing at the right time. We always have breakfast and lunch at the club, and of course there are guys that have really big appetites – but to be honest everyone wolfs it away! It’s what fuels us.

What’s the banter like between you and your brother? (Tom’s brother Ben also plays for England)
My brother is quite cheeky so he likes to take the mick out of me, but we don’t get stuck into each other too much.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional rugby player?
I’d be working on a farm! My family owns a farm in Norfolk and I love spending time there.

What might people be surprised to know about you?
I don’t really have any party tricks, I’m quite an open book really so what you see is what you get.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Vanilla ice cream and farming magazines. Anything to do with farming really!

Tom Youngs is an ambassador for Wattbike, the world’s leading indoor bike. To find out more

visit: www.wattbike.com