Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has today confirmed the appointment of England international hooker Tom Youngs as club captain heading into the 2016/17 season.

The 29-year old hooker has made over a hundred appearances for the Aviva Premiership club as well as amassing 28 England caps thus far in his career and was also a member of the British and Irish Lions touring party of Australia in 2013.

Having missed the run-in to Leicester Tigers title chasing campaign last season as a result of a back injury, Youngs is now set to take the captains armband over from second row Ed Slater.

Speaking to the press 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.”

In the wake of this mornings announcement, Richard Cockerill took to the media to speak on Youngs promotion within the squad and was of the view that there were non more deserving:

“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,” Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill told the club’s website.

“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.”

 

 

(source via skysports.com)

Read More About: aviva premiership, Ed Slater, leicester tigers, richard cockerill, rugby union, tom youngs