England great extends his career into his 19th season with Premiership club

Jared Wright 21 Dec 2023 4:00 PM

England's Jamie George, Ben Youngs and Owen Farrell during the anthems during the Autumn International match at Twickenham Stadium.

England’s most capped men’s international, Ben Youngs, will extend his career into a 19th senior season.

The experienced scrum-half has signed a new deal with Premiership club Leicester Tigers, the only senior side he has played for during his career.

Extending his career

Youngs featured at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, earning his 127th and final England cap at the tournament before hanging up his international boots.

However, the 34-year-old will continue his playing career at Leicester next season and credits head coach Dan Mckellar for creating an environment that he wants to be a part of as a reason he has decided to stay.

“Coming home from the World Cup, you could sense there was a great energy in the club,” Youngs told Leicester’s official website.

“I have credit for (head coach) Dan (McKellar) and his staff for that and it’s just something I want to continue to be a part of.

“It goes without saying, this club means the world to me and my family so I’m just happy to be able to contribute any way I can, whether it’s playing or helping to guide the young lads through.”

Youngs family and Leicester tigers

Youngs’ father Nick also represented the club, as did his brother Tom, with Ben now racking up over 300 appearances for the side since becoming the youngest player at the time to play in the English top flight in 2007.

He has been a regular member of the England team since making his Test debut in 2010 and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013.

“Ben’s achievements at this club speak for themselves,” Leicester general manager Richard Wilks added.

“His father was a Tiger, his brother of course left a lasting legacy at Leicester Tigers so in the modern era to have a player with so much connection to the club – 18 seasons and counting – that is special.”

Youngs’ re-signing comes after the club confirmed that George Martin had signed a new “multiyear agreement” with the club and tighthead prop Joe Heyes has signed a new “long-term deal.”

Leicester Tigers Ben Youngs