- England men’s record caps holder Ben Youngs will retire at the season’s end
- The Leicester Tigers scrum-half could yet finish with his sixth Premiership title
- No 9 Youngs has had a sensational career at rugby’s highest level
Ben Youngs declared ‘let’s not write the obituary just yet’ after England’s most capped men’s player confirmed he will retire from all rugby at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old scrum-half made 127 appearances and won four Six Nations title with his country.
He could yet end his career with a sixth Premiership crown.
Leicester Tigers, the only club Youngs has played for, are second in the table and have a good chance of making the end-of-campaign play-offs.
Youngs said: ‘It’s a bittersweet feeling. I’m sad at the thought it’s coming to an end, but I’m excited about the rest of this season. It isn’t over.
‘There is still plenty of rugby left and that’s what is at the front of my mind. I’m not done. Let’s not write the obituary just yet.’
Ben Youngs (right) has already won the Premiership five times and could end with a sixth title
The Leicester and former England scrum-half will retire from all rugby at the end of the season
Youngs is England men’s record caps holder having played for his country 127 times
Youngs retired from England duty after the 2023 World Cup.
To date, he has played for Leicester 332 times.
He will undoubtedly be remembered as a Tigers legend and played at four World Cups as well as representing the British & Irish Lions in Australia in 2013.
Youngs’ brother Ben and father Nick were also Leicester players.
‘I have spent two decades at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way and made memories that will last a lifetime,’ he said.
Youngs had been linked with a summer move to French side Racing 92 but said: ‘The idea of playing against this club wasn’t ever an option for me.
‘To be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements.
‘The time will come to thank everybody who have helped me achieve what I have but, that’s for when it comes to an end.
‘For now, it’s about finishing with more success.
‘I’m not done just yet.’
New Zealand women’s star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has come out of international retirement and set her sights on this year’s World Cup.
Woodman-Wickliffe is the record try-scorer in the history of the women’s competition and helped New Zealand to the title in 2017 and 2022, beating England in both finals.
England are the firm favourites, as well as hosts, for the 2025 renewal.
