Ben Youngs Announces Retirement at End of 2024-25 Season – A Legacy of Premiership Glory and England Excellence

England’s most-capped men’s rugby player, Ben Youngs, has announced his retirement from international rugby at the end of the 2024-25 season. The 35-year-old scrum-half, a cornerstone of both Leicester Tigers and the national team for over a decade, is set to conclude an illustrious career that includes unparalleled success in English club rugby and significant contributions to England’s Six Nations triumphs and World Cup campaigns.

Youngs joined Leicester Tigers in 2007 at the young age of 17, quickly establishing himself as a key player. He has since made an astounding 332 appearances for the club, becoming their youngest ever Premiership player and accumulating five league titles alongside his brother, Tom Youngs. He’s also amassed 238 matches in the Gallagher Premiership, cementing his status as one of its most decorated players.

The scrum-half has been instrumental in England’s success over the years, earning 127 Test caps and contributing to four Six Nations championships. He was a vital part of England’s teams that competed at the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 Rugby World Cups, playing a crucial role in their third-place finish in France in 2023. Notably, he withdrew from the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand due to family circumstances but was selected for the 2013 tour of Australia, featuring prominently in the first two Tests.

Beyond his club and international achievements, Youngs’ family history is deeply intertwined with Leicester Tigers. His father, Nick Youngs, played for the club between 1981 and 1988, while his brother, Tom, also retired from rugby in 2022. In 2021, the entire Youngs family surpassed a remarkable milestone – reaching 600 appearances for Leicester Tigers, a total now standing at an impressive 692. Youngs’ dedication and longevity have been truly exceptional.

Speaking about his decision, Youngs stated: “The time will come to thank everybody who has helped me achieve what I have, but that’s for when it comes to an end. For now, it’s about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I’m not done just yet.” He is expected to continue playing for Leicester Tigers throughout the upcoming season.