Veteran England lock Joe Launchbury has confirmed his plans to hang up his boots at the end of the current season. With 70 international caps under his belt, Launchbury has had a storied career spanning from 2012 to 2022, including three Six Nations championship wins and appearances in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Since joining Harlequins in 2023 from Toyota Verblitz in Japan, Launchbury has made 50 appearances, although this season has seen him feature only six times. In a statement on the Harlequins website, Launchbury reflected on his decision, stating, "The time feels right to step away from rugby at the end of this season." He expressed his gratitude to his teammates, past and present, and acknowledged the profound impact rugby has had on his life, providing not only a career but also lifelong friendships and memories.
Launchbury intends to stay involved in the sport but is looking forward to spending more time with his family, particularly watching his children grow up.