Tom Youngs, a former international rugby union player who achieved significant success with both Leicester Tigers and the England national team, has discovered a new source of fulfillment in operating a burger stall on his family's farm. After concluding a distinguished playing career that spanned four years ago, Youngs returned to his roots on the family farm located near Aylsham, Norfolk. It was here that he recently established "Scrums and Buns," a venture that combines a food stall with a bar, set within one of the farm's picturesque fields.
Youngs, who is 39 years old, expressed his long-held desire to embark on such a project. "I've always wanted to do something like this," he stated, adding that the key was finding the confidence to pursue it. The initial reception and progress of the stall have been very positive, according to Youngs.
During his rugby career, Youngs earned 28 caps for England and was recognized as Leicester's player of the season in 2013, the same year the club secured the Premiership title. His achievements also include being part of the victorious British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2013.
He now dedicates his full-time efforts to the arable farming operations on the farm, which is owned by his father, Nick. Nick Youngs, a former scrum-half for Leicester in the 1980s, was the first member of the family to represent the country internationally in rugby.
Following his retirement from professional rugby and the subsequent death of his wife, Tiffany, in 2022, Tom Youngs had previously spoken about how farm work had provided a crucial support system, helping him cope with feelings of loneliness. This new venture into the food service industry represents a significant shift from his athletic past.
Speaking with BBC Radio Norfolk, Youngs admitted that transitioning from international rugby to running a burger stall was not something he had ever envisioned. However, he has found the experience to be "a really nice way to spend the weekend." He highlighted the current economic climate in farming, emphasizing that diversification is a critical strategy for business sustainability. "That's the way of the world, and farming at the moment – diversification is the key thing to our business," he remarked.
The "Scrums and Buns" stall has proven to be a popular destination, attracting numerous families who are enjoying the rural setting. Youngs believes there is a growing disconnect between people and the countryside, making it important to encourage children to visit farms. "It's been fantastic welcoming so many families enjoying the countryside," he said.
He elaborated on the importance of farm visits for children, stating, "There's a bit of a disconnect in the countryside at the moment, and I think getting kids on farms is really important." Youngs hopes that by providing a positive experience, such as enjoying a local burger, it can lead to conversations about the farm's practices, including its efforts to support nature. "If we can get them down here and enjoy a good local burger from a conversation with a parent, that leads on to good examples of what we're doing on our farm to help nature and all sorts of things."
The new business is a collaborative effort, involving his cousin George and a professional caterer. The entire family contributes to the operation, assisting with the stall, the bar, and engaging with customers. This includes his younger brother, Ben Youngs, who is England's most-capped player and retired from Leicester Tigers last season. "He usually pops down and has a look, has a burger and brings the kids," Tom shared.
Tom Youngs also noted the appeal of the stall for young rugby fans. "It's been nice for kids who love rugby to come down and get an autograph," he said, indicating the continued connection to his sporting legacy while embracing his new entrepreneurial path.
