Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs ruled out for rest of the season
Thursday 17 March 2016 15:23, UK
Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs will miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery.
The front-rower, who has played 13 times for the Tigers this season, was injured prior to kick-off of Leicester's 10-3 win over Sale on February 6, a game in which he was set to return from suspension.
He has not taken to the field since playing in a 36-21 defeat at Stade Francais on January 24.
"Tom had surgery on Wednesday to correct a problem with a disc in his back which will mean he will not play again this season," said Leicester's director of rugby, Richard Cockerill.
"It is disappointing because Tom is a great bloke and a fantastic player. He had some back issues as a youngster, but this is pretty minor surgery and he will make a full recovery."
Youngs, who has been capped 28 times by England, was left out of the squad for the Six Nations after playing all four matches for his country at the World Cup last autumn.
Leicester sit fifth in the Premiership table, 10 points off top spot with six games remaining.
