England Rugby Icon Ben Youngs Announces Retirement

Ben Youngs, a celebrated figure in English rugby and the nation’s most capped men’s player, has declared he will retire from professional rugby at the conclusion of the current season with Leicester Tigers.

He clarified that while he won’t be taking on the head coach role at Tigers, contrary to the speculation, his focus remains on finishing the season strongly with the club, who are currently aiming for a top four slot in the Premiership.

“I am not going to be the head coach next year, I will be finishing the season here, there is a lot of work still to be done , there will still be time to say thanks and goodbye, we need you cheering us as we aim for top four,” Youngs said on Instagram.

Youngs expressed a mix of sadness and excitement, emphasizing his commitment to the remaining matches and his pride in his long and successful tenure at Leicester.

“I am sad at the thought that my career is coming to an end but also excited about the rest of the season ,about what this group can do, there is plenty of rugby left and that’s what’s on my mind,” Youngs said.

Youngs made his Leicester Tigers debut in 2007 against Argentina; he later was named the youngest ever player in a league when he came on as a substitute against Bristol.

Having represented England in 127 matches between 2010 and 2023, including in the 2019 World Cup, he toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013. The scrum half will conclude his career as a one-club man for Leicester.

The 35-year-old has been instrumental in Leicester’s success, securing five Premiership titles and making 332 appearances.