England halfback Ben Youngs yesterday announced that he has withdrawn from the Lions tour to New Zealand for family reasons.
The 27-year-old learned the wife of his brother Tom - a Leicester Tigers and England teammate - was terminally ill with cancer, having battled the illness for three years.
Youngs was included in a 41-man squad for his second tour but informed coach Warren Gatland of his decision to withdraw this weekend.
"We are a very close family and, as I am sure everyone can respect, time is now precious together," Youngs said in a Leicester statement.
"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.
