Rugby Union May 01, 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: Updates, scores, commentary as Red Roses cruised to an 84-7 win against Scotland at Murrayfield

Women's Six Nations 2026: Updates, scores, commentary as Red Roses cruised to an 84-7 win against Scotland at Murrayfield

Neville names the FOUR priority signings for Man Utd this summerYour Site' Gary Neville says Man Utd must make FOUR key signings this summer to go to...

Will British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje says 'it's about exploring new opportunities'

Will British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje says 'it's about exploring new opportunities'

Will the British & Irish Lions tour France after 2029? Maro Itoje admits there is "scope" to play games against Les Bleus in the future.The Britis...

Ireland 43-21 Scotland: Andy Farrell's side secure Triple Crown in Dublin but ultimately miss out on Six Nations championship

Ireland 43-21 Scotland: Andy Farrell's side secure Triple Crown in Dublin but ultimately miss out on Six Nations championship

Ireland were denied the Six Nations championship despite a 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, a result which secured the Triple Crown.A...

Steve Borthwick: England head coach given no guarantees over his job as RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney denies Andy Farrell contact

Steve Borthwick: England head coach given no guarantees over his job as RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney denies Andy Farrell contact

Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has suggested Steve Borthwick will have the summer to inspire a response to England's worst ever Six...

Women's Six Nations: Marlie Packer ready to add to Red Roses' World Cup history with immediate Six Nations Grand Slam

Women's Six Nations: Marlie Packer ready to add to Red Roses' World Cup history with immediate Six Nations Grand Slam

Marlie Packer remembers when "a hundred fans and a couple of dogs" came to watch England play rugby.Now, the longest-serving member of the Red Roses h...

Women's Six Nations: Red Roses return to Allianz Stadium for first time since World Cup to open Six Nations campaign

Women's Six Nations: Red Roses return to Allianz Stadium for first time since World Cup to open Six Nations campaign

It has been 196 days since the Red Roses won the Women's Rugby World Cup for the third time, putting on a show in front of a record-breaking sold-out ...