Ben Youngs announces retirement after 2024/25 season

Veteran scrum-half Ben Youngs has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, bringing an end to one of the most distinguished careers in English rugby history.

Youngs made his 332nd senior appearance for Leicester Tigers during the recent Premiership win over Bristol Bears, further solidifying his legacy as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.

His debut came in February 2007 while still in the club’s academy, and just two months later, he became the youngest player to represent the Tigers in the Premiership.

Over the course of nearly two decades, Youngs has made 238 appearances in top-flight English rugby and holds Leicester's record for most European appearances at 84, including 78 in the Champions Cup.

He is a five-time Premiership champion, a three-time Anglo-Welsh Cup winner, and captained the club in the 2014/15 season.

His influence extended far beyond club rugby. Youngs retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having become England's most-capped senior men's player with 127 Tests.

He represented England at four Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and was part of the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. He was selected again in 2017 but withdrew for personal reasons.

Youngs also shared the international and club stage with his brother Tom Youngs and close friend Dan Cole, featuring in 365 matchday squads alongside Cole. Their father, Nick Youngs, also represented both England and Leicester in the 1980s. Collectively, the Youngs family has amassed 692 appearances for Leicester Tigers, an unprecedented achievement in the club’s history.

Outside the pitch, Ben has transitioned into new roles. Since January 2024, he co-hosts the podcast For The Love of Rugby with Dan Cole and began working in September as Head of Performance Sport at Gresham’s School, his alma mater.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Youngs said:

“It’s a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously, I’m sad at the thought it’s coming to an end but I’m excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do.”

“That’s the strange part, I’m using the ‘r’ word [retirement] but it isn’t over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that’s what is at the front of my mind. I’m not done, let’s not write the obituary just yet."

“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."

“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 this chapter of my life with some more success. I’m not done just yet.”