Tom Youngs retires from professional rugby

Leicester Tigers star and former England international Tom Youngs has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old retires after making 215 appearances for Leicester Tigers, as well as gaining 28 Test caps for England and three for the British & Irish Lions.

Youngs took a period of indefinite leave ahead of the current season to care for his wife Tiff, who is battling an illness, and has not featured for the club this season.

A Premiership title winner in 2012/13 and Anglo-Welsh Cup winner in 2016/17 with Tigers, Youngs retires in second place on the club's all-time list for appearances as captain with 98. Only Martin Johnson has led Leicester Tigers on more occasions.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Tom Youngs of Leicester Tigers looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Gloucester at Welford Road on November 21, 2020 in Leicester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Speaking about the decision to retire, Youngs said: “I had always planned around this season being my last and I am comfortable with the timing of it now.

“I have no regrets and, looking back, am proud of what I have achieved at the only club I ever wanted to play for.”

A second-generation Tiger, Youngs is the son of former Leicester scrum-half Nick Youngs and spent his career playing alongside brother, Ben, at club and international level.

Together, the father and sons have made more than 630 first-team appearances for the club.

On his family connection to the club, Youngs added: “There has always been a connection to the club, with dad playing for Tigers, and I have memories from an early age of hearing about what that was like for him and what it meant to him.

“To be able to do what I have done, alongside my brother and after my dad, is just magical. I couldn't have written it any better.”

Norfolk born, Youngs played his junior rugby with Holt and North Walsham before joining the Leicester Tigers Academy.

During his time there, Youngs enjoyed a decorated age-grade career with England honours at Under-16, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20s levels before playing internationally on the World Rugby Sevens circuit.