Ben Youngs to retire from rugby after glittering 18-year career with Leicester Tigers and England
Updated 22/04/2025 at 16:32 GMT+1
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Ben Youngs is set to retire from rugby. The scrum-half has represented Leicester Tigers for almost two decades, since making his debut in 2007. He also became England's most-capped player, turning out 127 times for his country between 2010 and 2023, featuring at four World Cups. He also played for the British & Irish Lions, alongside brother Tom, on their 2013 tour of Australia.
Relive some of Youngs' best moments as England and Leicester great set to retire
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ben Youngs has announced his retirement from rugby, following a glittering 18-year career.
The scrum-half, 35, has played for Leicester Tigers ever since turning professional, making his debut back in 2007.
He is England's most-capped player, turning out 127 times for his country between 2010 and 2023.
Speaking about his decision to retire at the end of the season, Youngs said: "It’s a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously, I’m sad at the thought it’s coming to an end but I’m excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do.
"That’s the strange part, I’m using the ‘r’ word but it isn’t over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that’s what is at the front of my mind. I’m not done, let’s not write the obituary just yet."
Youngs has won five Premiership titles with Leicester and will look to bow out with a sixth, with the Tigers currently second in the table behind Bath.
"I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime," added Youngs.
"It’s all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I’ve wanted to know. The idea of playing against this club wasn’t ever an option for me and so, for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements."
Youngs made his England debut in a Six Nations meeting with old rivals Scotland in 2010.
He is considered one of his country's greatest rugby servants, playing in four World Cups. He made his final international appearance in England's third-placed win over Argentina at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Youngs was part of four England teams that won the Six Nations title, including a Grand Slam in 2016, while he was a key member of the side that reached the 2019 World Cup final in Japan, where they lost to South Africa.
He played for the British & Irish Lions on their 2013 tour of Australia, as the Lions claimed a 2-1 series victory.
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Last year, Youngs revealed he was forced to have heart surgery after a worrying episode during a Leicester training session.
Youngs was diagnosed with arrhythmia and supraventricular tachycardia – an irregular and abnormally fast heartbeat – a condition he was unaware of for most of his life.
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Silky Steward secures bonus point for Leicester with solo brilliance
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I had to stop and lay down as my heart was pounding away, and the rain was hitting me in the face," Youngs said.
"I sort of rolled my head to the side and looked at all these admiring fans – 30 of them – that were all packed out in the main stand at Leicester. And I thought: ‘This is it, this is how I’m going to go'."
Ben's brother Tom also played for Leicester and England - he retired in 2022 - and they were on the same Lions team for that 2013 tour. Their father Nick played for Leicester and England in the 1980s.
Watch and stream the Gallagher Premiership on TNT Sports and discovery+
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