STATEMENT: Ben Youngs confirms retirement, takes on coaching role
04/22/2025 07:08 AM
Leicester Tigers legend Ben Youngs will hang up his boots at the end of the 2024/25 season, calling time on a glittering professional career that's spanned nearly two decades.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The 34-year-old scrum-half made his 332nd senior appearance for Tigers off the bench in their Easter Sunday triumph over Bristol Bears – a fitting reminder that he's still got gas in the tank.
The boy who became a Tiger king
Youngs made his senior debut way back in February 2007, lining up against Argentina while still part of the Academy setup. Two months later, he became the youngest-ever Premiership player for Tigers in a clash against (fittingly) Bristol.
Speaking about his decision, Youngs said:
"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."
Breaking records, making history
With 238 Premiership appearances, Youngs is just outside the all-time top ten for league games, and holds the club record for most European appearances (84 – with 78 of those in the Champions Cup).
He's a five-time Premiership champion, three-time Anglo-Welsh Cup winner, and even captained the Tigers during the 2014/15 season.
500+ games, countless memories
Across a mammoth 524 games, Youngs has donned the shirt for Leicester Tigers, England, England U20s, England 7s, England A, the British & Irish Lions, and the Barbarians. He's been there, done that, and probably owns the whole wardrobe.
He played in four Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), was part of the 2013 Lions tour, and would've toured again in 2017 before pulling out due to personal reasons.
When he retired from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, he did so as England's most-capped men's Test player with 127 caps.
The Cole connection
Youngs and his long-time pal Dan Cole have been thick as thieves, appearing together in 365 matchday squads across club and country. Cole, by the way, isn't far behind with 118 England caps.
It runs in the family
Ben isn't the only Youngs to wear the Tigers and England shirt. His brother Tom retired in 2022 after 215 appearances for Leicester, while their father Nick pulled on the Tigers jersey 145 times between 1981 and 1988.
Together, the Youngs trio have racked up an eye-watering 692 Tigers appearances – a club family record that may never be beaten.
Life after Test rugby
Since stepping away from the international stage, Ben's been keeping busy. In January 2024, he teamed up with Dan Cole to launch the 'For The Love of Rugby' podcast – dishing out stories from inside the camp and beyond.
And in September 2024, he returned to Gresham's School (his alma mater) as Head of Performance Sport, helping to shape the next generation of elite athletes.
EDITORS PICKS:
- England assistant coach quit to join international rivals with immediate effect
- Wales finally replace Warren Gatland after mid-Six Nations departure
- England's Forgotten Man Set for Stunning Comeback Eight Years On
- All Blacks legend Richie McCaw names his top 5 opponents of all time
- Angry Nigel Owens calls for ban after France stars football-style flop
Antoine Dupont didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
In a recent Q&A, Dupont shared the players he respects most, and the list includes some seriously tough competition. When asked about his toughest opponents, he didn't miss a beat: "There are lots of great players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few."
Let's dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont's respect and what makes them so hard to beat.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks’ Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it's Beauden Barrett. New Zealand's speedster isn't just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he's running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett's ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett's legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he's there.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post STATEMENT: Ben Youngs confirms retirement, takes on coaching role appeared first on Ruck.
