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England scrum-half Danny Care has announced his retirement from international rugby.
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The 37-year-old made the announcement on social media on Monday, just over one week after the end of the Guinness Six Nations, where he earned his 101st and final cap against France in Lyon.
It brings to an end a 16-year Test career for the Harlequins legend, which began against the All Blacks in 2008 at the age of 21.
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Care became England’s latest centurion against Ireland in the Six Nations, an achievement many thought would not happen after being exiled from the team by Eddie Jones in 2018. Although he did briefly return to the England set-up in 2022 under Jones, it is current England boss Steve Borthwick who breathed new life into Care’s international career, recalling him for the World Cup last year.
The 2016 Grand Slam winner played in six of England’s seven matches in France last year, as well as all five Six Nations matches this year.
In a statement on social media, he wrote: “To play for England once was a dream come true. never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get the opportunity to do it over 100 times.
“After a lot of reflection the past few months the time feels right, for myself and the team, to retire from international rugby.
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“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 to 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 9s 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 backroom 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 all of you at Twickenham.
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“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.
“All good things must come to an end.”
All amazing things must come to an end 🌹 pic.twitter.com/3luXrytnPs
— Danny Care (@dannycare) March 25, 2024
I saw some of his first ever pro games back before I lost hope in Leeds Tykes.
Such a shame to see him go now. JVP will be a very able replacement.
Not an England fan, but have always liked and respected Danny. Together with Courtney Lawes my all time favorite England player.
An incredible x-factor of a 9, with a lot of attacking flair.
If Eddie Jones hadn’t been stubbornly fixated to his favorites, Danny would have gotten the century a long time ago.
I’m sad to see him hang the boots up, but I understand his desire to quit on his own terms while he’s still getting picked.
What a great player and a great bloke (massive fan of the BBC Rugby Union Weekly).
All the best going forward, Danny!