As the current season draws to a close, Joe Launchbury, the esteemed former England international and Harlequins forward, has decided to hang up his boots, concluding a storied professional rugby career. A Devon native, Launchbury's journey through rugby has been marked by significant achievements and memorable stints with prominent clubs, including a substantial tenure at Wasps where he made 132 appearances until their unfortunate administration in 2022. Following a brief sojourn in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, he returned to grace the English pitches with Harlequins, accumulating 32 caps in the famous quarters.
Launchbury's international career was equally illustrious, donning the England jersey 70 times from 2012 to 2022. His contributions were pivotal in securing three Six Nations titles for England, including the Grand Slam in 2016, and propelling the team to the finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
"It’s a career I look back on with hugely fond memories, I’ve loved every minute of it."
Reflecting on his retirement, Launchbury shared, "I’ll 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’ll miss striving to get better both individually and as a team. I can hand on heart say that pretty much every single day I’ve walked into the building and looked forward to coming to work. Thank 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."
England head coach, Steve Borthwick, praised Launchbury’s extensive contributions, remarking, “Joe has given a huge amount to English rugby over a long period of time. First and foremost, he’s been an excellent player, but also a leader through his actions — 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.”
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore also commented on Launchbury's impact, "Joe is an incredible man who has enjoyed a 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. His standards, professionalism, and willingness to give time to the younger players in this squad is testament to him as a player and his character. On behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank Joe for everything he has given to Harlequins and wish him and his young family the best of luck in their next chapter."
As Joe Launchbury bids farewell to his playing days, the rugby community celebrates the legacy of a player who not only achieved greatness on the field but also exemplified leadership and resilience throughout his career.
349 posts
As the current season draws to a close, Joe Launchbury, the esteemed former England international and Harlequins forward, has decided to hang up his boots, concluding a storied professional rugby career. A Devon native, Launchbury's journey through rugby has been marked by significant achievements and memorable stints with prominent clubs, including a substantial tenure at Wasps where he made 132 appearances until their unfortunate administration in 2022. Following a brief sojourn in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, he returned to grace the English pitches with Harlequins, accumulating 32 caps in the famous quarters.
Launchbury's international career was equally illustrious, donning the England jersey 70 times from 2012 to 2022. His contributions were pivotal in securing three Six Nations titles for England, including the Grand Slam in 2016, and propelling the team to the finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
"It’s a career I look back on with hugely fond memories, I’ve loved every minute of it."
Reflecting on his retirement, Launchbury shared, "I’ll 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’ll miss striving to get better both individually and as a team. I can hand on heart say that pretty much every single day I’ve walked into the building and looked forward to coming to work. Thank 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."
England head coach, Steve Borthwick, praised Launchbury’s extensive contributions, remarking, “Joe has given a huge amount to English rugby over a long period of time. First and foremost, he’s been an excellent player, but also a leader through his actions — 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.”
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore also commented on Launchbury's impact, "Joe is an incredible man who has enjoyed a 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. His standards, professionalism, and willingness to give time to the younger players in this squad is testament to him as a player and his character. On behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank Joe for everything he has given to Harlequins and wish him and his young family the best of luck in their next chapter."
As Joe Launchbury bids farewell to his playing days, the rugby community celebrates the legacy of a player who not only achieved greatness on the field but also exemplified leadership and resilience throughout his career.