England's Joe Launchbury Announces Retirement Plans

Veteran England lock Joe Launchbury has confirmed his decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season. With 70 caps for his country between 2012 and 2022, Launchbury has had a distinguished career, including three Six Nations titles and appearances at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Since joining Harlequins in 2023, he has made 50 appearances, although his time on the pitch has been limited to just six games this term. In a statement on the Harlequins website, Launchbury expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had, saying, "The time feels right to step away from rugby at the end of this season." He reflected on his career, noting, "I've been so fortunate to represent the teams I have," and thanked his teammates, past and present, for the friendships and memories they have shared. Launchbury added that while rugby has given him a life filled with purpose, friendships, and unforgettable memories, his body is telling him it needs a break. He hopes to remain involved in the sport but is looking forward to spending more time with his family, particularly watching his children grow up.