After the retirements of Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May after the World Cup, it is the turn of Danny Care, a major figure in the XV de la Rose over the last 15 years (he had his first selection in 2008), to announce his international retirement, which was expected. The historic Harlequins player (37 years old) was the first to enter the Twickenham pitch on March 9, in the company of his children, for his 100th selection, during England-Ireland (23-22). Again coming into play against the Blues (33-31) for the last day of the Tournament, Care brought his total to 101 caps, which makes him the 6th most capped English player in history.
“Playing for England was a dream come true,” Care said on his social media on Monday. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have the opportunity to do this more than 100 times. After much reflection over the last few months, the time seems right for me and the team to retire from international rugby. The last 12 months in this England team have arguably been my favorite, creating memories that my family and I will cherish. I am incredibly proud to be English and to have had the privilege of representing this incredible country for the last 16 years. »
Not always a starter during his international career during which Ben Youngs (127 caps, from 2010 to 2023) was often preferred, Care was still one of the faces of the XV de la Rose of the last decade, winning with England the Six Nations Tournament in 2011, 2016 and 2017. He was renowned for being a particularly stubborn and cunning player, scoring numerous tries at the rucks, like a trickster.
