Portugal Colonial - Ex-England star Youngs to retire from rugby

The Leicester scrum-half, who played in 127 Tests for England, quit the international game after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where England finished third.

Youngs made his England debut in 2010 and featured in four Rugby World Cups, also winning won four Six Nations titles.

The 35-year-old, who made his 332nd appearance for Leicester on Sunday, made his senior debut for the club in 2007 and has won five Premiership Rugby titles.

Youngs, who also played for the British and Irish Lions, underwent heart surgery last year after collapsing during a Leicester training session.

"It's a bittersweet feeling really," Youngs said in a Leicester statement. "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."

Leicester are currently second in the Premiership table behind Bath. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams enter the play-offs to determine the champions.

X.Matos--PC