Tom Youngs: Former England and British & Irish Lions hooker has opened up on his emotional send off from Leicester Tigers

Former England and British & Irish Lions hooker Tom Youngs has admitted that life can be cruel after announcing his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old forward ends his career with 215 appearances for Leicester, along with 28 Test caps for England and three appearances for the Lions.

After appearing for Leicester in the club's 2021-22 pre-season fixtures, Youngs took indefinite leave from the game to care for his wife Tiffany, who is battling an illness, and has not featured during the current campaign.

The former Leicester captain was given a memorable send-off at Saturday's Gallagher Premiership home game against Bristol, leading the team out for one last time after speaking to the players before kick-off.

"I talked about how I'd love to do one more tackle and one more carry for them," said Youngs.

"I talked about Tiff a little bit, about life, that when you're in this moment and how good it is and how lucky you are sometimes.

"Then ultimately you don't realise how cruel life can be at times, and to really enjoy those moments.

"There really wasn't a dry eye in the changing room. It was lovely and will sit with me for a long time."

Youngs' retirement was announced by Leicester just a week ago, and he is proud of what he has done for a club with which he has so many connections.

"I am so grateful to all of the team-mates that have helped me along the way, coaches who have taught me so much and fans who have been there for me, cheering us on," Youngs said in a statement on Leicester's website.

"I had always planned around this season being my last and I am comfortable with the timing of it now.

"I have no regrets and, looking back, am proud of what I have achieved at the only club I ever wanted to play for."

A Premiership title winner in the 2012-13 season, Youngs captained the Tigers on 98 occasions. Only former England skipper Martin Johnson has performed the role more times.

"There has always been a connection to the club, with dad playing for Tigers, and I have memories from an early age of hearing about what that was like for him and what it meant to him," Youngs added.

"To be able to do what I have done, alongside my brother and after my dad, is just magical. I couldn't have written it any better."

Youngs received his first England cap in a win over Fiji in November 2012 and made his Six Nations debut in 2013 before being selected by the Lions for that summer's series in Australia, where he played in all three Tests.

"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," Youngs added.

"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."