Rugby Union Apr 29, 2026

Joe Launchbury: Harlequins' former England second row to retire at end of season having won 70 international caps

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Joe Launchbury: Harlequins' former England second row to retire at end of season having won 70 international caps

Former England lock Joe Launchbury will retire at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old was capped 70 times by his country between 2012 and 2022, winning three Six Nations titles and playing at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

Launchbury, formerly of Wasps, has made 50 appearances since joining Quins from Japanese club Toyota Verblitz in 2023 but has featured just six times so far this term.

"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," he told Harlequins' website.

"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 team-mates, 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.

"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.

"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."

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Women's Six Nations 2026: Fixtures, results, schedule, dates and more as England defend championship title

Women's Six Nations 2026: Fixtures, results, schedule, dates and more as England defend championship title

All the fixtures and schedule for the 2026 Women's Six Nations as England defend their title against France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.Saturd...

England suffer double Women's Six Nations injury blow with Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt ruled out of rest of tournament

England suffer double Women's Six Nations injury blow with Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt ruled out of rest of tournament

England have suffered a double injury blow with Morwenna Talling and Natasha Hunt being ruled out of the remainder of the Women's Six Nations.The duo...

Women's Six Nations: England score 12 tries in 84-7 demolition of Scotland at Murrayfield

Women's Six Nations: England score 12 tries in 84-7 demolition of Scotland at Murrayfield

England ran in 12 tries in an 84-7 routing of Scotland in the second round of the Women's Six Nations at Murrayfield.Due to a raft of injuries, Englan...

Women's Six Nations 2026: England vs Wales updates, scores, commentary from Ashton Gate

Women's Six Nations 2026: England vs Wales updates, scores, commentary from Ashton Gate

Listen: Transfer Talk Chelsea specialPete Graves is joined by Your Site chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol and ESPNs Sam Tighe. They discuss Chel...

Women's Six Nations: England's Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing Millie David given debut

Women's Six Nations: England's Red Roses change seven for Wales as wing Millie David given debut

England's Red Roses have made seven changes to their side ahead of facing Wales in Saturday's Women's Six Nations round three clash, with wing Millie...

Women's Six Nations: Injury-hit England forced into five changes to starting XV for Scotland game

Women's Six Nations: Injury-hit England forced into five changes to starting XV for Scotland game

England head coach John Mitchell insists the Red Roses will roll with the punches as they come to terms with a growing list of absentees.Mitchell has...