However it wasn’t that long ago that he had dreams of playing behind brother Ben at scrum-half, only making the switch to the front row from the centres on the advice of then Tigers coach Heyneke Meyer.

Despite not looking back since, the change of position has meant that critics are quick to downplay some of the 25-year-old’s attributes at hooker, mainly his control at the lineout.

But former Tiger, Moody is adamant his positives certainly outweigh the negatives.

“I am excited for Tom,” said Moody. “He is a prolific player and an exciting young talent and in terms of his ability around the park for a hooker it is incredible – second to none almost.

“He sometimes gets a lot of stick for line out throwing but a line out is a very complicated process and it is not just about the thrower but lifters, jumpers, the timing of it all and if one of those is out it always looks like the hooker has done it wrong.

“So I think he has taken a bit of stick sometimes unnecessarily but we should keep throwing him in there definitely to prove people wrong.

“He has a great attitude and a great work ethic and he will take his chance with both hands I am sure.”
Whatever shape England’s front row takes on this autumn Youngs bursting on the scene couldn’t be better timed.

Lancaster’s options at hooker have been thin on the ground with Rob Webber injury prone and Lee Mears and Steve Thompson calling it a day, and Moody believes just being on the scene means England will be better for Youngs’ input.

“We have had some retirements in the hooker position recently with Lee Mears retiring and Rob Webber picking up an injury, so we really only have had Dylan Hartley as a young upcoming hooker,” he added.

“He needs to be pushed if he is to continue his progression and stay at the top of his game and that is what Tom will do and it is an important job.

“Just by being there it makes Dylan have to work harder and therefore a better player and it will be an interesting battle.”

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