Ben Youngs Aims for Sixth Premiership Title in Farewell Season with Leicester Tigers

Ben Youngs, England's most-capped rugby player, is determined to secure his sixth Premiership title with Leicester Tigers before retiring at the end of the season.

Ben Youngs, the legendary scrum-half for Leicester Tigers, has announced his retirement at the end of the current season. At 35, Youngs is set to conclude his illustrious career as a one-club man, having spent 19 seasons with the Tigers. His final goal is to secure a sixth Premiership title, adding to his already impressive legacy.

Youngs made his debut for Leicester Tigers at the age of 17 in 2007 and has since become one of the most decorated players in English rugby. With 332 appearances for the Tigers, four Six Nations titles, and a record 127 caps for England, Youngs has had a career filled with remarkable achievements.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio Leicester, Youngs expressed his determination to end his career on a high note. "We'll do our utmost, and I'll be part of it every day to try to make sure we end it the way I'd love to end it," he said. The Tigers are currently second in the Premiership table, and Youngs is focused on helping the team secure a top-four finish and a home semi-final.

Despite starting only three of the 18 games he has featured in this season, Youngs has remained a crucial figure for the team. He has often been called upon to replace 23-year-old Jack van Poortvliet, a rising star from the Tigers' academy. Youngs has embraced his role as a key player off the bench, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Leicester Tigers' head coach, Michael Cheika, has praised Youngs for his contributions both on and off the pitch. "He has been great for us whenever he has either started or come off the bench. He has been super competitive, which has been great," Cheika said. The Australian coach also expressed his respect for Youngs as a player and a person, hoping to maintain their friendship beyond his retirement.

Youngs' career has not been without challenges. Last year, he underwent heart surgery but returned to the pitch, feeling "fortunate" and "extremely privileged" to be able to dictate the end of his career. "After this year I have nothing more to give to it [rugby]; I just haven't," he said. "Whilst I still feel good and whilst I still love what I do, it just seems like the right time to walk away and be proud of that."

As Youngs prepares to hang up his boots, the rugby world will be watching to see if he can achieve his final goal of securing a sixth Premiership title with Leicester Tigers. His dedication, skill, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his farewell season promises to be a memorable one.

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