Lions Tour 2017: Ben Youngs withdraws from tour - Ruck

Lions Tour 2017: Ben Youngs withdraws from tour

  • Ben Youngs withdraws from the Lions squad for family reasons
  • This comes after the wife of his brother Tom learned that she is terminally ill
  • Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw replaces Ben Youngs on the Lions tour
Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs has withdrawn from the squad for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand for family reasons.

The wife of Ben’s brother Tom has been battling cancer for three years and the family has now received the devastating news that the illness is terminal.

“We are a very close family and, as I am sure everyone can respect, time is now precious together,” said the scrum-half.

“The most important thing for me at this difficult time is to be able to offer as much support as I can to Tom and his family in the remaining time we all have together.

“It is a great honour to be selected as a member of the British & Irish Lions squad and I would like to thank Warren Gatland, the staff and the other players for their understanding in this situation. I wish them well and, like all rugby supporters in British and Ireland, hope they have a successful tour.”

Leicester Tigers added in a statement: “Tom and Ben will still play their part in the remainder of the season for the Tigers.

“Both families hope their privacy can be respected at this difficult time. There will be no further comment from Tom, Ben or from Leicester Tigers at this point.”