UK (Commonwealth) _ Scrumhalf Danny Care announced his retirement from rugby on Monday, May 15, after 15 years of playing for England. He had 101 caps.
Care participated in all five of England’s Six Nations games. This month, he earned his 100th cap after coming off the bench against Ireland. Marcus Smith received his pass and kicked the game-winning drop goal.
The 37-year-old Care told englandrugby.com, “It feels right for me and the team to retire from international rugby.” “I think the last 12 months with this England team have been the best of my life; we have made memories that my family and I will always treasure.”
In 2006, he began playing for England Sevens and contributed to their silver medal victory at the Commonwealth Games in June 2008, he made his test debut in Auckland against New Zealand, coming in as a substitute. The following weekend in Christchurch, he began the second test and scored his first test try.
He received 101 caps, more than half of which were replacements. Eddie Jones never abandoned aim on earning 100 caps, even if he did not play for Care in 2019, 2020, or 2021. He was summoned back for the successful tour of Australia in the middle of 2022, and he continued to serve under Steve Borthwick, Jones’ replacement.
Care traveled to the Rugby World Cups in 2015 and 2023, when England made it to the semifinals, and won three Six Nations championships. He was hurt before to 2011 and was dropped prior to 2019.
The sixth Englishman to reach 100 caps expressed gratitude to his coaches for having faith in him. He thanked the supporters of England as well. Nothing can ever compare to the thrill of going out to all of you at Twickenham, he remarked, adding that it meant the world.
In the 23–22 victory against Ireland on March 9, the 37-year-old gained his 100th cap while participating in all five of England’s Six Nations games this year. With a record 369 Harlequins appearances, Care said: “It was a dream come true to play for England once.”
I never would have imagined that I would get the chance to perform it more than 100 times. Care said, “The time feels right for me and the team to retire from international rugby after much reflection over the past few months.”
I think that the last 12 months with this England squad have been my best; we have made memories that my family and I will always treasure. Care was called on during a 37-20 loss to New Zealand in June 2008, marking his debut for England at the age of 21.
In addition to winning championships in 2011 and 2017, he assisted England in completing the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016. In addition, Care participated in two Rugby World Cups, being selected in 2015 and assisting England in 2023 to the semi-finals in France. After 15 years of international participation, he finishes with 101 caps, making him one of just six men’s players to reach 100 for England.
Care made the following statement while appearing on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast: “I have been thinking, ‘I can’t keep doing this forever. I’ve been away from my little family at home for a lot of time, therefore I’m missing out on a lot of things. We’ve been gone for around six of the last nine months. “With kids at home, you know how it is. I’m missed by them. When people begin to inquire, “You’re not leaving again, are you?” Every time I leave them, it gets tougher.
“With some outstanding young guys out there, this is the ideal time for the squad to add another nine or a few nines who can step in and demonstrate what they can do.”I never want to get in the way of someone else. First and foremost is the team.” Care, who has two Premiership Rugby championships under his belt, will keep playing for the Harlequins.
“I am grateful to all the supporters of England from the bottom of my heart who have stood by me and the team wholeheartedly over the years, all over the world,” said Care. “It means the world and nothing will ever beat the feeling of walking out to all of you at Twickenham.” Billy Millard, director of rugby at Harlequins, stated: “We’re really pleased of Danny and everything he’s accomplished. Billy Millard, director of rugby at Harlequins, stated: “We are really pleased of Danny and all that he has accomplished for England. “For the past 15 years, he has been the epitome of professionalism. He put forth a lot of effort to battle his way back and earn 101 caps. It’s a great credit to his integrity, diligence, and professionalism. We congratulate him on an incredible England career and anticipate his ongoing influence at Quins.
