The legendary English rugby player, Danny Care, has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the season. Care, who has been an emblematic figure for both the Harlequins and the English national team, is ending a successful 19-year career.
Care, 38, accumulated 101 international matches for England, playing as a scrum-half. In addition, he played for 19 years for the Harlequins in the Premiership. He retires as the player with the most appearances in the history of the Harlequins in the professional era, with an impressive total of 394 matches. He joined the club from Leeds Tykes in 2006 and contributed to winning Premiership titles in 2012 and 2021, as well as the Challenge Cup in 2011.
With the English selection, Care conquered three Six Nations titles (2011, 2016 and 2017) and was a fundamental part in the team’s reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup.
Care will leave rugby as a player much loved by the fans and will remain involved with the Harlequins in an ambassadorial role, in addition to his media responsibilities.
“So, finally, it’s time,” said Care. “Unfortunately, after 19 years playing for this incredible club, I will be retiring from rugby at the end of the season. I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing a lad from Leeds to come to this club and feel at home from day one.”
Danny Care
Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple also shared his words on Care’s departure:
“It’s difficult to express in words the impact that Danny has had not only on Harlequins Rugby Club, but on the sport of rugby as a whole. In retiring from the professional game, he leaves an incredible legacy: nearly 400 appearances for Harlequins and over a hundred international matches with England is no small feat.
Laurie Dalrymple
England coach Steve Borthwick also paid tribute to Care:
“Danny has been the heart of every team he has played for, with his passion, skill, and energy illuminating the stadiums wherever he went.”
Steve Borthwick
