Ben Youngs silences rumours by signing a new contract

There had been plenty of speculation that Ben Youngs would be moving from Welford Road once his contract ran out this summer.  However, the England and Lions scrumhalf has recommitted to Leicester Tigers, with the international scrum-half agreeing a new deal to remain at the club.

The son of former scrum-half Nick and brother to club captain Tom, who has also agreed a new deal at the club, Youngs has made 244 appearances for Tigers since his debut as a 17-year-old. Born in Norfolk, Youngs graduated from the Tigers Academy in the same season he made his senior debut against Argentina at Welford Road, and has been a member of four Premiership title-winning squads.

Youngs 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 recommitment 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.”

Youngs, who is currently in camp with England at the Six Nations, said it was pleasing 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.”

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Youngs also commented on the recruitment of Steve Borthwick, who he has worked with at international level in, as Tigers head coach as Murphy moves into the role of director of rugby.

“Nobody is under any illusion that what we have delivered in recent seasons has not been good enough, but we are moving in the right direction and the addition of Steve is an exciting one,” said Youngs.

“I have been fortunate to have been coached by Steve for a handful of years now at international level and I’m confident he can get the best out of me and this group at Tigers, day in and day out.

“My time at Tigers began with success and I know what we are capable of and what is expected of us as Leicester players and, with the addition of Steve to Geordan’s coaching team, we are building back towards that with the right people in place.”

The new deal for Youngs sees him follow his brother Tom in recommitting to the club, as well as fellow internationals George Ford and Ellis Genge and the announcements of incoming international duo Shalva Mamukashvili and Nemani Nadolo.

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