Youngs brothers agree new Leicester contracts

Colin Newboult

The Youngs brothers, Ben and Tom, have committed their immediate futures to Leicester after agreeing new contracts to remain at the Tigers.

Ben is England’s most-capped scrum-half, with 100 international appearances, including 98 Test matches for his country and two for the British & Irish Lions.

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said the re-signing of the scrum-half was “sensational” news for the club.

“Ben is Tigers through and through and, for more than a decade, has given everything for the badge,” said Murphy of the 30-year-old scrum-half.

“To have him recommit is sensational for everyone in Leicester – players, coaches, staff and fans.

“He is a proven winner and a leading voice in our changing room who we are proud to have represent Tigers moving forward.”

The scrum-half is currently in camp with England at the Six Nations and was pleased to have his new deal finalised.

“Leicester is my home and Tigers are my family, I have spent my whole career here and am proud of what I’ve achieved in green, red and white,” he said.

“It’s pleasing for this to be over, so everyone can stop reading about it!

“Everyone outside of the club has had their say on whether or not I should or would remain, which is the way it is now in the world, but I’ve always wanted to remain here and any suggestion I didn’t or don’t give my everything for Leicester is way off the mark.”

Meanwhile, Tom Youngs is the Tigers’ club captain and has made 189 appearances for the club since his senior debut in 2006 as a 19-year-old.

The 33-year-old has represented England and the British and Irish Lions on the international stage, including featuring in all three Tests on the Lions’ successful tour of Australia in 2013.

Murphy said: “Tom is everything you can ask for and more in a club captain. His leadership and experience are imperative to what we are building here in Leicester and his passion for Tigers is unrivalled.

“To have him recommit at this point in the journey we are on is a huge boost for the playing squad, myself and the coaching staff, and our supporters.”

Speaking about his recommitment, the one-club player admitted it was a matter of when and not if he would agree a new deal.

“I grew up here, watching dad, and have been fortunate enough to represent the club I love alongside my brother for more than a decade,” he said.

“There is no shirt I would rather play in and no club I would want to be a part of other than Leicester Tigers.

“This place is my home and literally my family, with Dad and Ben having played here too, so as long as the opportunity remains to represent Tigers, I will keep giving everything, every single day, for the privilege.”

The Tigers skipper added he felt he had unfinished business at the club, which he was not prepared to leave without achieving.

“We haven’t been good enough in recent years and up to the standards of not only what fans expect after many years of success, but also the high standards we set ourselves at this club,” said Youngs.

“All of the players, coaches, staff and fans have a responsibility to keep putting in to get us back to where we want to be and I am proud to be a part of that.

“Geordan is completely driven in getting Tigers back to the top and the most passionate Leicester man I’ve ever met. I want to keep supporting him and proud to be able to do it for a few more years.”