Ex-Leicester skipper Tom Youngs has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect. The 35-year-old retires after making 215 appearances for the Tigers, as well as gaining 28 Test caps for England and three for the British and Irish Lions. A Premiership title winner in 2012/13 and Anglo-Welsh Cup winner in 2016/17, he retires in second place on the club’s all-time list for appearances as captain with 98. Only Martin Johnson has led Leicester on more occasions.
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 U16, U18, U19 and U20s levels before playing internationally on the World Rugby Sevens circuit. In addition to Tigers, he represented Bedford and Nottingham in senior rugby.
After appearing for the club in the 2021/22 pre-season fixtures at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Youngs took indefinite leave from the game for personal reasons and has not featured during the current campaign. “Most of all, I want to thank my family for all that they have done to help me achieve what I have been able to do throughout my career,” he said.
“My mum, my dad, my brother and all of my extended family, I am so lucky to have them. Finally, to my wife Tiff and daughter Maisie, I am lucky to have you alongside me and would not be where I am without you. Thank you both.”
