As the curtain is set to fall on Joe Launchbury's illustrious rugby career, the former England lock has opened up about the sequence of events that nudged him towards retirement. Expected to make his final appearance this weekend when Harlequins take on Sale at the Twickenham Stoop, the 35-year-old reflects on a career that has been both rewarding and challenging, particularly in its latter stages.
Launchbury's journey took an unexpected turn following the dissolution of Wasps, his long-time club, marking a pivotal moment in his career. "My first decision towards the next stage of my career probably came when Wasps folded," he shared on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, revealing the deep impact of the club's demise on his future choices.
"I couldn’t believe guys retired from international rugby. I couldn’t get my head around guys in the peak of their career retiring from international rugby. I couldn’t understand the thought process. I was like, ‘I’m gonna do this until no one picks me again’."
After Wasps, Launchbury had a brief stint in Japan with Toyota Blitz before returning to England to join Harlequins. However, his time in Japan was more than just another chapter in his career; it was a respite from the pressures of English rugby. "I felt pretty stung and burnt by everything that happened with Wasps, and found it quite hard to compute the idea of being literally within 10 days of Wasps folding and being delivered the news, being in an opposition changing room, 30 miles up the road, competing in the same league at a different club," he explained.
Upon returning to Harlequins, the club where he began his academy journey, Launchbury sensed it was the beginning of the end. His body, once capable of enduring over 30 matches a season, was now struggling to cope with the rigors of professional play, managing only six appearances this season. "While I have really enjoyed the last three years, I found your body gives up on you a little bit, and that’s kind of the hardest bit," he admitted.
Launchbury's decision to retire is driven by a desire to leave the sport while still respecting his own standards and the expectations of those who remember his peak performance days. "I never wanted to be that player who the young guys looked at and gone, 'How did he play for England so many times? He’s useless.' I never wanted to be that," he stated firmly.
As Joe Launchbury prepares to bid farewell to his playing days, his story is a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional toll that professional sports can exact, and the dignity with which athletes choose to step away. In his own words, "I’m so grateful to be leaving when I’m leaving," encapsulating a career filled with highs, lows, and ultimately, a graceful exit.
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As the curtain is set to fall on Joe Launchbury's illustrious rugby career, the former England lock has opened up about the sequence of events that nudged him towards retirement. Expected to make his final appearance this weekend when Harlequins take on Sale at the Twickenham Stoop, the 35-year-old reflects on a career that has been both rewarding and challenging, particularly in its latter stages.
Launchbury's journey took an unexpected turn following the dissolution of Wasps, his long-time club, marking a pivotal moment in his career. "My first decision towards the next stage of my career probably came when Wasps folded," he shared on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, revealing the deep impact of the club's demise on his future choices.
"I couldn’t believe guys retired from international rugby. I couldn’t get my head around guys in the peak of their career retiring from international rugby. I couldn’t understand the thought process. I was like, ‘I’m gonna do this until no one picks me again’."
After Wasps, Launchbury had a brief stint in Japan with Toyota Blitz before returning to England to join Harlequins. However, his time in Japan was more than just another chapter in his career; it was a respite from the pressures of English rugby. "I felt pretty stung and burnt by everything that happened with Wasps, and found it quite hard to compute the idea of being literally within 10 days of Wasps folding and being delivered the news, being in an opposition changing room, 30 miles up the road, competing in the same league at a different club," he explained.
Upon returning to Harlequins, the club where he began his academy journey, Launchbury sensed it was the beginning of the end. His body, once capable of enduring over 30 matches a season, was now struggling to cope with the rigors of professional play, managing only six appearances this season. "While I have really enjoyed the last three years, I found your body gives up on you a little bit, and that’s kind of the hardest bit," he admitted.
Launchbury's decision to retire is driven by a desire to leave the sport while still respecting his own standards and the expectations of those who remember his peak performance days. "I never wanted to be that player who the young guys looked at and gone, 'How did he play for England so many times? He’s useless.' I never wanted to be that," he stated firmly.
As Joe Launchbury prepares to bid farewell to his playing days, his story is a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional toll that professional sports can exact, and the dignity with which athletes choose to step away. In his own words, "I’m so grateful to be leaving when I’m leaving," encapsulating a career filled with highs, lows, and ultimately, a graceful exit.