Ben Youngs: Scrum-half pulls out of Lions squad after brother's wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer

Ben (left) and brother Tom (right) were both part of the Lions squad that toured Australia four years ago. Credit: PA

Norfolk rugby player Ben Youngs has pulled out of the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer after learning that his sister-in-law is terminally ill.

The wife of his older brother Tom was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, but her condition has recently deteriorated.

With that in mind, 27-year-old Ben has now decided to stay in the UK and support his family.

His club Leicester Tigers announced the news following their final game of the regular Aviva Premiership season at Worcester on Saturday.

Youngs in action for the Lions in 2013. Credit: PA

The Tigers also confirmed that both Ben and Tom have made themselves available to play in the Premiership semi-final against Wasps on May 20.

Ben informed Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland of his decision this weekend, and Scotland's Grieg Laidlaw has now been called up as a replacement.

"We fully understand and respect Ben's decision to stay at home," Gatland said.

"Family comes first and I know from having toured with Tom and Ben in 2013 how close they are. This is a difficult and important time for them and we send Ben, Tom and their family our heartfelt thoughts."