Danny Care, the iconic scrum-half for Harlequins and England, has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the current season. At 38, Care concludes a remarkable career that spanned 19 years, during which he became Harlequins' all-time leading appearance-maker in the professional era with 394 matches to his name.

A Storied Career

Care joined Harlequins from Leeds Tykes in 2006 and quickly became a cornerstone of the team. He played a pivotal role in securing the Premiership title in 2012 and 2021, as well as the Challenge Cup in 2011. His contributions on the field were instrumental in Harlequins' success over the years.

International Success

On the international stage, Care earned 101 caps for England, making him one of the most capped players in the nation's history. He was part of the England squad that won three Six Nations titles (2011, 2016, and 2017) and helped guide the team to the semifinals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

A Fond Farewell

In his retirement announcement, Care expressed his gratitude to the club, fans, and teammates who supported him throughout his career. "So, it's finally time," Care said. "Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible club, I'm going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season. I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting a lad from Leeds come down to this club and feel like home from day one."

Legacy and Future

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple praised Care's impact on the club and the sport, stating, "It's hard to put into words the impact Danny has had on not just Harlequins Rugby Club, but the sport of Rugby Union as a whole. As he steps away from the professional game, he leaves behind an incredible legacy."

England head coach Steve Borthwick also lauded Care's contributions, saying, "Danny has been the heartbeat of every team he's played for, with his passion, skill, and energy lighting up stadiums wherever he went."

Care will continue to be involved with Harlequins in an ambassadorial role and is expected to take on media responsibilities, ensuring his presence in the rugby world remains strong.