Harlequins' ex-England lock Launchbury to retire

Former England and Harlequins lock Joe Launchbury is to retire from rugby at the end of this season. The 35-year-old won 70 England caps and was part of the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Six Nations-winning teams, as well as playing at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. His final appearance in an England shirt came during the 2022 Six Nations, and while he did not retire from international duty he previously said he was "at peace" with not being in the squad.

Launchbury joined Quins in 2023 and has since made 50 appearances, but has featured just six times this season. "It has been coming for a while and it is certainly no secret, but the time feels right to step away from rugby at the end of this season," Launchbury said. "Rugby has given me more than I ever dreamed of.

Not just a career, but a life filled with purpose and friendships as well as memories that will stay with me forever. "It is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, and I know that feeling will never fully leave me. But for me the time is definitely right.

I have given my all to my career and my body is telling me it needs a break. " Launchbury burst on to the England scene aged 21 and went on to win 70 caps Launchbury came through Harlequins' academy before moving to Wasps at the start of his career. He went on to make 170 appearances and captain the side over a 12-year period, before the club folded in 2023.