Ben Youngs has paid an emotional tribute to his brother Tom after the latter announced his immediate retirement from rugby to care for his sick wife.
The 28-cap former England hooker and 2013 British and Irish Lion announced on Wednesday that he was hanging up his boots with immediate effect and insisted he had "no regrets".
The 35-year-old took indefinite leave from Leicester Tigers in October to care for his wife, Tiff, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a form of blood cancer - in 2014 and three years later was told her illness was terminal. In 2018, she went into remission but earlier this season Tom stepped down to care for her.
Youngs said he "always planned around this season being my last" and is "comfortable with the timing of it now". He spent his career playing alongside brother Ben at club and international level, plus the Lions.
“A million feelings," Ben wrote on social media. "A thousand thoughts. A hundred memories. What a time we have had doing it side by side.”
Tom retires after making 215 appearances for Leicester Tigers, as well as gaining 28 Test caps for England and three for the British and Irish Lions, saying: "Most of all, I want to thank my family for all that they have done to help me achieve what I have been able to do throughout my career.
"My mum, my dad, my brother and all of my extended family, I am so lucky to have them. Finally, to my wife Tiff and daughter Maisie, I am lucky to have you alongside me and would not be where I am without you. Thank you both."
On Saturday afternoon, Tom will lead the Leicester Tigers team on to the Mattioli Woods Welford Road pitch for the final time.
