Joe Launchbury remains in rugby post-retirement with eye-catching new role

A few weeks after his stellar playing career officially came to an end, ex-England lock Joe Launchbury has been unveiled as the head of Worcester Warriors’ new academy.

Warriors’ head coach Matt Everard, who knows Launchbury from their days together at Wasps, is delighted to have the 35-year-old on board.

“Joe is one of the best leaders I’ve worked with. He has added to every environment he’s been in and embodies high performance,” he said.

“With his playing experience combined with his academy coaching experience at Wasps & Harlequins, he is a hugely exciting addition to the club.”

“This is a big step forward in nurturing all the local homegrown talent we are blessed with. We are looking forward to working with Joe to bring this to life.”

Launchbury played nearly 200 pro games for Wasps and Harlequins combined, having started out in the National Leagues at Worthing, as well as having a spell in Japan.

On the international stage, he earned 70 Test caps for England over a decade-long Test career and was on the winning side on 50 occasions.

Launchbury  featured in two Rugby World Cups – reaching the final in Japan in 2019 before losing to South Africa – and won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016.

“It’s a really exciting time for me and for the club,” said Launchbury.

“I’m really honoured to be here at the start of the journey for the Academy. It’s a club with a huge amount of history, especially in the academy area.”

“Working with the next generation, working with these younger players definitely excites me, and the opportunity to come here to Worcester was something I didn’t want to turn down.”