Premiership: Leicester Tigers’ George Ford dedicates semi-final win to the Youngs family

Leicester Tigers fly-half George Ford has dedicated his side’s win in the Premiership playoffs against Northampton Saints to the Youngs family.

Welford Road took a moment in memory of Tiffany Youngs, wife of Tom, who tragically died this week.

Tigers claimed a 27-14 win with Tom’s brother Ben Youngs playing in the gripping clash. Immediately after the game, Ford took a moment to dedicate the match to the family.

“Some things are bigger than rugby, and what the Youngs family have been through, nobody can ever imagine, to be honest,” Ford told BT Sport.

“That effort today, from everyone here at Welford Road, was for the Youngs family. What a family they are. Tom is up there with (daughter) Maisie. What a person he is. It’s the same with Ben. That, today, was for them.”

The fly-half credited coach Steve Borthwick for his work with the club to elevate them to this level, considering the team was at the bottom of the pile not so long ago.

“Not too long ago we were at the bottom of the league, fighting relegation. It’s a credit to Steve (Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick), his coaching staff and everyone at the club. We’ve worked hard and got ourselves in a position to do something special next week.,” Ford said.

“What a place, what a club, what a set of people. I’ve been here eight years in two stints and loved every second of it – the highs and the lows. You won’t find a more traditional rugby club. I will miss it greatly, but we’ve got a job to do next week.”

Borthwick was happy with his team getting over the line and commended Ford’s influence on the squad.

“It wasn’t pretty from us, but the guys worked their way through it against a top side, who have been in really good form of late. George (Ford) has been excellent