Tom Youngs, the former England hooker, has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby. After 215 games for Leicester and 28 Test caps for England and three for the British & Irish Lions, the 35-year-old has decided to call a stop on his career. In a statement on Leicester’s website, Youngs said: “I am so grateful to all of the teammates that have helped me along the way, coaches who have taught me so much, and fans who have been there for me, cheering us on.”
“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.”
Youngs captained the Tigers on 98 occasions, winning the Premiership title in 2012-13. Only Martin Johnson, the former England captain, has played the part more than once. Youngs played club and international rugby alongside his brother Ben, the son of former Leicester scrum-half Nick Youngs. Youngs earned his maiden England cap in a win over Fiji in November 2012, and he made his Six Nations debut the following year before being named to the Lions for the summer series in Australia, where he featured in all three Tests.
Youngs, a Norfolk native, began his rugby career with Holt and North Walsham before joining the Leicester Tigers Academy. Youngs had a remarkable age-grade career with England honors at the Under-16, Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels before going on to play international rugby sevens on the World Rugby Sevens circuit.
Youngs took an indefinite break from the game after appearing for Leicester in the club’s 2021-22 pre-season fixtures to care for his wife Tiffany, who is facing an illness and has not played for Leicester this season.
