Tom Youngs to captain Leicester Tigers next season

Leicester Tigers have announced the appointment of England international hooker Tom Youngs as club captain for next season.

The 29-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for the Tigers, in addition to winning 28 England caps and featuring in the British and Irish Lions Test series against Australia three years ago.

Youngs said: "I am immensely proud to be club captain of the Tigers. It is without a doubt one of the highest things I have achieved in the game.

"I am a Leicester Tiger born and bred, I love the club and everything it stands for. To be captain is a huge honour and I'm very pleased to be given the opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to being able to lead the boys and doing whatever I can to help the club in competing for major honours."

Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill told the club's official website: "Tom is a Leicester man through and through and has special links with the club, where his father and brother have also played. He is a world-class player who leads by example. 

"Tom is supported by a good strong group of leaders within the squad, including Ed Slater, who has done an excellent job as club captain over the last couple of seasons, and experienced players like Mathew Tait, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Owen Williams and Freddie Burns."