Harlequins is celebrating the extraordinary career of Danny Care, who has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2024–25 season, after a near two decades of service to the Club.
Care joined Harlequins in 2006 from Leeds Tykes and quickly became a fan favourite with his electric pace, sharp game management, and infectious passion for the game. Over his storied career, he has made 394 appearances for the Club and is Harlequins’ all-time leading appearance-maker in the professional era.
A key figure in Harlequins’ most memorable moments, Care played pivotal roles in the Club’s Premiership triumphs in 2012 and 2021, and Challenge Cup title in 2011.
His leadership on and off the field has made him not only a cornerstone of the team, but also a mentor and role model to younger generations of Quins players and supporters alike.
On the international stage, Care made his England debut in 2008, and over the years he became a key figure for his country.
He played his part in three Six Nations Championship-winning campaigns, including the Grand Slam in 2016, and represented England at two Rugby World Cups in 2015 and 2023.
Notably, during the 2023 World Cup, Care played a crucial role in England’s journey to the semi-final.
As he steps away from the game, Harlequins talismanic number nine will continue to represent the Club in an ambassadorial role
Danny Care’s legacy as a dynamic and skilful scrum-half has undoubtedly inspired future generations of rugby players.
“So, it’s finally time. Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible Club, I’m going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season,” said Care.
“I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting a lad from Leeds come down to this Club and feel like home from day one.
“To all the fans. Thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family. As I said, you brought us into your hearts. You’ve sung my name louder than it’s ever deserved. And I can’t really put into words what representing this Club and playing in front of you all has meant to me.
“To Charles and to Duncan, the owners of the Club – two magnificent people, who’ve given me this opportunity to play here, and have stuck by me all these years – thank you both. I’d also like to thank all my amazing teammates, all the coaches, staff members who have been a part of my career.
“I will be supporting this Club forever, and I’ll always be a Quin.”
Harlequins Chief Executive, Laurie Dalrymple, said: “It’s hard to put into words the impact Danny has had on not just Harlequins Rugby Club, but the sport of Rugby Union as a whole. As he steps away from the professional game, he leaves behind an incredible legacy—close to 400 appearances for Harlequins and over a century of international caps for England is no small feat.
“Danny is a player and person who embodies the values of our Club, and he’s made a lasting mark both on the field and in our community in his 19 years at The Stoop.
“We’re delighted Danny will continue to work closely with the Club and the Harlequins Foundation in an ambassadorial role, and we’ll continue to see him at The Stoop for seasons to come. On behalf of everyone associated with Harlequins, I would like to congratulate Danny on a glittering career and thank him for his outstanding contribution to our Club. We wish Danny, Jodie and his young family the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives.”
Director of Rugby Billy Millard was full of praise for the impact Care has made at Harlequins.
“It has been an honour to work with Danny these last 6 seasons. He will go down as one of the greatest to play for Harlequins, and his spirit and approach to the game has luckily been passed down to our group of players,” said Millard.
“I will never forget that look on his face after we won the Premiership in 2021, he drove the back end of that season brilliantly. His impact at this club has been immense and his presence and cheeky grin will be missed around the environment.”
Head Coach, Danny Wilson added: “Coming to the Club, Danny was a player I was really looking forward to working with and that was certainly fulfilled. He was an unbelievable player for so many years.
“His achievements, in terms of number of appearances for Club and Country, are phenomenal for a scrum-half – not many have or will achieve that again in the future. Danny has helped me in my time here with his leadership and experience – he’ll be sorely missed at Harlequins and by the game.
“Danny is an inspiration to so many of our younger players. He represents our Club values to the fullest – he plays at tempo, he has great relationships throughout the squad, he’s unconventional in his approach to the game, and he’s certainly someone who’s enjoyable to spend time with.”
