- Care said it was ‘the right time’ to retire after picking up over a century of caps
- Quins scrum-half played in all five of England’s Six Nations matches this year
- The 37-year-old insisted playing for his country was ‘a dream come true’
Harlequins and England scrum-half Danny Care has confirmed his retirement from international rugby.
The Leeds-born 37-year-old, who has a record 369 Quins appearances, played in all five of England’s matches during this year’s Guinness Six Nations, including his 100th cap in the 23-22 win over Ireland, before finishing with 101.
Care has won three Six Nations titles during his time with England, finishing as runner-up on a further three occasions and reaching the Rugby World Cup semi-finals last year.
He uploaded an emotional post on his social media channels with the caption: ‘All good things must come to an end’.
‘To play for England once was a dream come true,’ he said. ‘Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get the opportunity to do it over 100 times.
England star Danny Care has announced his retirement from international rugby
![Care picked up his 100th cap against Ireland during England's Six Nations win this month](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/25/19/82877093-13237543-image-a-27_1711395552149.jpg)
Care picked up his 100th cap against Ireland during England’s Six Nations win this month
‘After a lot of reflection the past few months, the time feels right for myself and the team, to retire from international rugby.
‘The past 12 months in this England team have been arguably my favourite, making memories that my family and I will cherish and remember forever.
‘I’m unbelievably proud to be English and have had the privilege to represent this amazing country over the past 16 years. 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 Steve, Jamie, the coaches and the whole back room staff, thank you for believing in me. I know this team is going to go on to do unbelievable things.
‘I want to thank all the England fans from the bottom of my heart who have supported me and the team unconditionally throughout the years, all over the world. It means the world and nothing will ever beat the feeling of walking out to you all at Twickenham.
![Care was presented with a gold cap after picking up his centuring following the famous victory](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/25/19/82877097-13237543-image-a-26_1711395549214.jpg)
Care was presented with a gold cap after picking up his centuring following the famous victory
![Care has won three Six Nations titles with England since making his debut in 2008](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/25/19/82877429-13237543-image-a-28_1711395773678.jpg)
Care has won three Six Nations titles with England since making his debut in 2008
‘Thank you to every coach who picked me, dropped me, picked me again, dropped me again, loved me or hated me. Hopefully I’ve shown that you should never give up.
‘To Jodie, Blake, Koha, Rocco and all the Care clan, I’m so grateful for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me to let me live my dream. I hope I made you proud. All good things must come to an end.’
Care further opened up on his decision to call it a day during a sit-down with England posted on their official social media accounts, followed by a montage of his highlights playing for the national side.
England posted the video, accompanied by a caption hailing his achievements since making his first bow in 2008.
‘The honour was ours, Danny,’ they said.
‘Congratulations on an incredible career. You’re always welcome at HQ.’
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