Danny Care: England, Harlequins scrum-half announces international retirement after winning 101 caps

England scrum-half Danny Care has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Care, 37, became only the sixth player to reach 100 England caps when he came off the bench in the Six Nations win over Ireland earlier this month.

He won his 101st and final cap in England’s thrilling defeat to France.

“To play for England once was a dream come true,” said Care in a statement on social media.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get the opportunity to do it over 100 times.

“After a lot of reflection over the past few months, the time feels right for myself and team to retire from international rugby. The past 12 months have been arguably my favourite, making memories that my family and I will cherish and remember forever."

Only Ben Youngs (127), Jason Leonard (114), Dan Cole and Owen Farrell (both 112), and Courtney Lawes (105), have made more England appearances than Care.

“I’m unbelievably proud to be English and to have had the privilege to represent this amazing country over the past 16 years," added Care.

“The team is in a really exciting place and there are some incredible young 9’s out there that I can’t wait to watch and support how they take the team forward.

“To [head coach] Steve [Borthwick], [captain] Jamie [George], the coaches and the whole back room team staff, thank you for believing in me. I know this team is going to go on to do unbelievable things.”

Care made his England debut in 2008 but had a rocky road to reaching 100 caps.

He was dropped by Eddie Jones before the 2019 Rugby World Cup and was only recalled in 2022.

He was part of the England team that finished third at the Rugby World Cup last summer.

Care has made a record 369 Harlequins appearances and is under contract until the end of the season.

Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard said: "We're incredibly proud of Danny and everything he has achieved for England.

"He's been the ultimate professional for the past 15 years and worked extremely hard to fight his way back to achieve 101 caps.

"It's a huge testament to his character, hard work and professionalism and we congratulate him on a fantastic England career and look forward to his continued impact at Quins."

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