Gloucester forward Ben Morgan to retire at end of season
Ben Morgan has played more than 180 times for Gloucester
©PA
Gloucester Rugby have announced that England international Ben Youngs will announce retirement from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.
The club revealed that "variety of events will be held throughout the year to support Ben’s testimonial".
"It's a huge honour to be awarded a testimonial year," he told the club's official website.
Nicknamed the 'Dursley Bull', Bristol-born Morgan started playing at his local club Dursley and intends to start his testimonial year with a Sevens tournament at Kingsholm.
"He has given a tremendous amount to this club, and we're delighted that we can celebrate this with him," said club chief executive Alex Brown.
"He's committed the majority of his playing career to Gloucester and leaves a lasting legacy in Cherry & White."
The 34-year-old started his professional rugby career with provincial side Scarlets in 2009 and made a switch to the Cherry and Whites in 2012. Since, heading to Kingsholm, the 34-year-old has gone on to make over 180 appearances for the club.
He also has featured in 31 Test caps for England including two games in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s a great honour for Ben to be celebrating his testimonial at his home-town side. He has given a tremendous amount to this club, and we’re delighted that we can celebrate this with him," said the club's Chief Operating Officer Alex Brown.
“He’s committed the majority of his playing career to Gloucester Rugby and will hang up his boots knowing he leaves a lasting legacy in Cherry & White. I know that he’s very eager to leave his mark on the field too with plenty of the season remaining before he bows out."
