Former England international and current Harlequins forward Joe Launchbury will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season, bringing the curtain down on a decorated career.<\/p>\n
Devon-native Launchbury spent the bulk of his career with Wasps, making 132 appearances for the club before their administration in 2022. Since then, he had a brief stint in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, before returning to England with Harlequins. Since making his debut for the Londoners, Launchbury has made 32 appearances in the famous quarters.<\/p>\n
He also enjoyed a strong Test career with England, winning 70 Test caps between 2012 and 2022, helping the side win three Six Nations titles, including the 2016 Grand Slam, and reach the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s a career I look back on with hugely fond memories\u2019<\/p>\n
Commenting on his decision to retire, Launchbury said: \u201cIt\u2019s a career I look back on with hugely fond memories, I\u2019ve loved every minute of it.<\/p>\n
Prem club issues shocking 27-man long-list of injured players but England man\u2019s highly-anticipated return teased<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll miss the competing. I love the forming of teams and what makes teams successful, and how you can turn a loss into a win. I\u2019ll miss striving to get better both individually and as a team. I can hand on heart say that pretty much every single day I\u2019ve walked into the building and looked forward to coming to work.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to all the coaches who have been a big part of my career, the guys who picked me, dropped me, but most importantly, had a desire to make me a better player. The supporters are the heartbeat of this game and the people who love rugby, and this amazing sport that we all love. Lastly, and most importantly, thank you so much to my family for everything you have done.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n England<\/a> head coach, Steve Borthwick, added: \u201cJoe has given a huge amount to English rugby over a long period of time. First and foremost, he\u2019s been an excellent player, but also a leader through his actions \u2014 incredibly hard-working and someone who has shown real resilience throughout his career. We wish him and his family all the very best for what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n Also commenting, Harlequins<\/a> head coach Jason Gilmore said: \u201cJoe is an incredible man who has enjoyed fantastic career, and we feel privileged to have had him here at The Stoop for his final chapter. What he has brought to this group goes far beyond what you see on the pitch at the weekend.<\/p>\n