End of an Era: Ben Youngs Announces Retirement from Rugby

Today veteran scrum-half Ben Youngs has officially announced his retirement from the sport at the conclusion of this current 2024/25 season.

After a remarkable 18-year professional career, the 35-year-old Leicester Tigers legend and England's most-capped men's player is set to hang up his boots, leaving behind a legacy not just for Tigers, but also for England.

Youngs who has played his professional career at Leicester Tigers since his debut in 2007, has become synonymous with the club.

The scrum half’s fast paced game management and tactical awareness made him a pivotal cog in the Tigers’ machine.   

With over 330 appearances for Leicester, Youngs has been an integral part of five different Premiership winning Tigers sides. His commitment to the Leicester jersey has been outstanding, with him being a one-club man making it even more special– a rarity in today’s game.

Youngs' contribution to English rugby has been nothing short of outstanding, debuting against Scotland in the 2010 Six Nations, he went on to play an incredible 127 caps for his country, surpassing the legendary Jason Leonard to become England's most capped male player.

His international career saw him feature in four Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and he was a key member of the teams that secured four Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2016. He also represented the British & Irish Lions on their 2013 tour to Australia.

Youngs retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup but wanted to continue playing for Tigers.

Youngs' career has not been without its challenges. Last year, he bravely revealed that he underwent heart surgery after being diagnosed with arrhythmia and supraventricular tachycardia. However, his resilience shone through as he continued to compete at the highest level. He also had to endure the pain when his brother and fellow Tigers’ teammate Tom Youngs wife Tiffany battled and then sadly passed away to blood cancer in 2022. Tom then retired in April 2022 to support his family.

Speaking via the official Tigers Instagram channel Young said:

"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. 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."

With this season far from over, Ben will want to end his Tigers’ career on a high. With Leicester currently sitting in second place in the Premiership, vying for a play-off place, and hopefully a home Semi Final. With eyes on a Final at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on the 14^th June 2025.

A true England and Leicester Tigers legend, it will be sad for Rugby to see him hang up his boots for that final time.