The Harlekins and English legend Danny Kea announced they will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The 38-year-old Care earned 101 caps in the UK in the Scrum Half and played for the Gallagher Premiership Side Harlekin for 19 years. He has left the game and played 394 matches to his name as the Harlekins’ greatest appearance maker of all time in his professional days. He joined the club from Leeds Tykes in 2006 and won the Premiership titles in 2011 and 2021.
Along with England, Care won three Six Nations titles (2011, 2016 and 2017) and helped lead them to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals.
He leaves the game as a much-loved player and continues to work for the Harlequins in the role of ambassador along with his media responsibility.
“So it’s finally time,” Care said. “Unfortunately, after 19 years playing for this incredible club, I am planning to retire from rugby at the end of the season, and I just wanted to thank the young Leeds who made me feel like home from day one.
“To all the fans. I thank you for all you gave me and my family. Like I said, you brought us into your heart. You sang my name louder than ever before.
“Thank you to Charles and Duncan, the club owner – the two epic people who gave me this opportunity to play here and for years to get stuck on me – and to both. I would also like to thank my incredible teammates, all of my coaches and to the staff who are part of my career. I will support this club forever.
“It’s hard to put into words the impact Danny has had on the Harlequins Rugby Club, as well as the entire Rugby Union. Away from the professional game, he will leave an incredible legacy with nearly 400 appearances over the century of Harlequins and the international caps of England.”
“Danny is a player and person who embodies the values of our club and he has created a lasting mark at Stoop over 19 years, both on the field and on our community.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick said:
“I congratulate him on a great career because he gives everything to rugby. On behalf of the team, I hope he’s the best in the next chapter. I know Danny, but I’ll hear him right away and bring the same passion and character he brought to the pitch.”
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