Harlequins legend Danny Care to retire at end of season

Former England international Danny Care will retire at the end of the current season after nearly two decades of service at Harlequins.

Care, who is 38, has made 293 Premiership appearances, more than any other player in the history of the competition except for fellow scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth (322). He had signed a deal for next season but has now had a change of heart.

On the international stage, Care made his England debut in 2008, and over the years, he became a key figure for his country. He played his part in three Six Nations Championship-winning campaigns, including the Grand Slam in 2016, and represented England at two Rugby World Cups in 2015 and 2023.

The Test centurion – he won 101 caps for his country – joined Harlequins from his hometown team Leeds in 2006 and has played more games for the club (394) than any other player in the modern era.

Care was a member of Harlequins’ two Premiership-winning teams, in 2012 and 2021, but after 19 years in the famous quarters, he has decided that time has caught up with him.

“So, it’s finally time. Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible club, I’m going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season,” said Care.

“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.

“To all the fans. Thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family. As I said, you brought us into your hearts. You’ve sung my name louder than it’s ever deserved. And I can’t really put into words what representing this club and playing in front of you all has meant to me.

“To Charles and to Duncan, the owners of the club – two magnificent people, who’ve given me this opportunity to play here, and have stuck by me all these years – thank you both. I’d also like to thank all my amazing teammates, all the coaches, staff members who have been a part of my career.

“I will be supporting this club forever, and I’ll always be a Quin.”

Thank you @dannycare ❤️#COYQ | #DC9 pic.twitter.com/slQ9c8sBAL

— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) May 13, 2025

Harlequins Chief Executive, Laurie Dalrymple, said: “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—close to 400 appearances for Harlequins and over a century of international caps for England is no small feat.

“Danny is a player and person who embodies the values of our club, and he’s made a lasting mark both on the field and in our community in his 19 years at The Stoop.

“We’re delighted Danny will continue to work closely with the club and the Harlequins Foundation in an ambassadorial role, and we’ll continue to see him at The Stoop for seasons to come. On behalf of everyone associated with Harlequins, I would like to congratulate Danny on a glittering career and thank him for his outstanding contribution to our club. We wish Danny, Jodie and his young family the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives.”

As he steps away from the game, the talismanic number nine will continue to represent the club in an ambassadorial role, whilst being free to pick up more TV punditry work.

Head coach, Danny Wilson added: “Coming to the club, Danny was a player I was really looking forward to working with and that was certainly fulfilled. He was an unbelievable player for so many years.

“His achievements, in terms of number of appearances for club and country, are phenomenal for a scrum-half – not many have or will achieve that again in the future. Danny has helped me in my time here with his leadership and experience – he’ll be sorely missed at Harlequins and by the game.

“Danny is an inspiration to so many of our younger players. He represents our club values to the fullest – he plays at tempo, he has great relationships throughout the squad, he’s unconventional in his approach to the game, and he’s certainly someone who’s enjoyable to spend time with.”