Tom Youngs recommits to Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers club captain Tom Youngs has agreed a new deal with the clubs. A Tigers Academy graduate has made 189 appearances for the club since his senior debut in 2006 as a 19-year-old.

The Norwich-born Youngs initially broke into the club’s senior programme as a centre after representing England at both Under-19 level and on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, before making the successful transition into the front row.

The 33-year-old Youngs has represented England and the British and Irish Lions on the international stage alongside brother and Tigers team-mate Ben, including featuring in all three Tests on the Lions’ successful tour of Australia in 2013. The son of former Leicester scrum-half Nick Youngs, the second-generation Tiger picked up the club’s Players’ Player of the Year and Premiership Player of the Year awards in 2013, as well as featuring in the club’s Premiership-winning campaign in the same season.

Youngs’ former team-mate, turned coach, Geordan Murphy said the recommitment of the club captain was an important boost for Tigers at an important time in its history.

“Tom is everything you can ask for and more in a club captain,” said Murphy.

“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.”

The club captain follows fellow internationals George Ford and Ellis Genge in agreeing new deals at Leicester Tigers alongside youngsters Tom Hardwick, Sam Aspland-Robinson and George Worth.