Triple Six Nations winner Joe Launchbury set to retire

Former England lock Joe Launchbury has announced he is to retire from professional rugby at the end of this season.

Launhbury is currently sidelined with a quad injury, but is expected to be back in the next couple of weeks to add to the 50 appearances he has made since joining Harlequins.

The former Wasps stalwart enjoyed a brief spell in Japan with the Toyota Verblitz, when his old club went to the wall, followed by his return to the PREM with Quins in 2023.

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

Launchbury, 35, featured in two Rugby World Cups – reaching the final in Japan in 2019 before losing to South Africa.

Across his international career he won three Six Nations titles – in 2016, 2017, and 2020 – including a Grand Slam in 2016 – but now time has caught up with him.

“It has been coming for a while and it is certainly no secret, but the time feels right to step away from rugby at the end of this season,” said Launchbury.

“It is hard to put into words what this game has meant to me. What started as a young lad at Exmouth Rugby Club became a journey that took me across the world and gave me memories I will carry for the rest of my life.

“To have worn the England shirt 70 times, to have given so many years to Wasps, to have had the honour of representing Harlequins, and to experience a season in Japan. I’ve been so fortunate to represent the teams I have.

“To my teammates, past and present, thank you. The friendships we have built go far beyond rugby. Not a day went by where I did not enjoy being around the people, I was lucky enough to call teammates. You made every challenge worthwhile.”

The father-of-three, with a fourth child on the way, has thanked the countless people who’ve made his career possible.

“To the coaches and staff who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me grow, I am forever grateful. And to the fans, your support through every high and low has meant a lot to me and the teams I have been a part of,” he said.

“Most importantly, my family. Mum, Dad, and my sister Victoria, thank you for everything you gave me from the very beginning. Your support, whether near or far, has meant the world to me.

“Mallory (his wife), there are not enough words. You have been my strength through everything. The sacrifices you have made and the way you have supported me, always putting me first, is something I will never be able to repay. I only hope I have made you proud.

“Blythe, Hayden, Quinn, and our baby boy on the way, you are my reason for everything now. I hope one day you look back and feel proud, but more than anything I hope this journey shows you what hard work, resilience, and commitment can lead to.

“Rugby has given me more than I ever dreamed of. Not just a career, but a life filled with purpose and friendships as well as memories that will stay with me forever. It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, and I know that feeling will never fully leave me. But for me the time is definitely right. I have given my all to my career and my body is telling me it needs a break!

“I would love to stay involved in the game in some way, but for now I am looking forward to what comes next, and most of all, being present to watch my children grow up.”

Harlequins head coach, Jason Gilmore, added: “Joe is an incredible man who has enjoyed fantastic career, and we feel privileged to have had him here at The Stoop for his final chapter.

“What he has brought to this group goes far beyond what you see on the pitch at the weekend. His standards, professionalism and willingness to give time to the younger players in this squad is testament to him as a player and his character.”