Rugby Union Apr 15, 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: Meg Jones to captain new-look England with Haineala Lutui in line to make debut against Ireland at Twickenham

Women's Six Nations: Meg Jones to captain new-look England with Haineala Lutui in line to make debut against Ireland at Twickenham

Meg Jones leads an England team featuring seven survivors from September’s World Cup final victory over Canada for the launch of their Guinness Six Na...

England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

England Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has named seven uncapped players in his 38-player squad ahead of the Women's Six Nations. Megan Jones takes...

Six Nations: Maro Itoje says England 'are going places' despite record fourth tournament loss but will Steve Borthwick remain in charge?

Six Nations: Maro Itoje says England 'are going places' despite record fourth tournament loss but will Steve Borthwick remain in charge?

Maro Itoje insists England "are going places" despite enduring their worst Six Nations campaign, while head coach Steve Borthwick remains adamant he i...

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Former World Cup winner Will Greenwood says he expects England to stick with head coach Steve Borthwick despite a shocking Six Nations campaign.After...

Champions Cup: Northampton Saints edge Castres in high-scoring thriller to reach European quarter-finals

Champions Cup: Northampton Saints edge Castres in high-scoring thriller to reach European quarter-finals

Northampton reached the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a battling 49-41 win over Castres.French side Castres raced into a 12-0 lead after only 10...

Six Nations 2026 review: France's winning contradictions, England's optimistic loss, Scotland's eternal issue, Wales' relief, and Ireland's slip up

Six Nations 2026 review: France's winning contradictions, England's optimistic loss, Scotland's eternal issue, Wales' relief, and Ireland's slip up

It is being touted as the most entertaining Six Nations ever, and looking at the pre-tournament script compared to the end credits, you can see just w...