Veteran England lock Joe Launchbury has confirmed his decision to hang up his boots at the end of the current season. With 70 international caps to his name, Launchbury has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over a decade, from 2012 to 2022, during which he claimed three Six Nations titles and participated in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Since joining Harlequins in 2023, following a stint with Toyota Verblitz in Japan, Launchbury has made 50 appearances, although his participation has been limited to just six games this term.
In a statement on the Harlequins' website, Launchbury expressed his gratitude, saying, "The time feels right to step away from rugby at the end of this season. I've been fortunate to represent England 70 times, to have given many years to Wasps, and to have had the honour of playing for Harlequins and experiencing a season in Japan." He also thanked his teammates, past and present, for the friendships and memories they have shared, emphasizing that rugby has given him a life filled with purpose, friendships, and lasting memories. Launchbury now looks forward to spending more time with his family and potentially staying involved in the sport in a different capacity, as his body needs a break after dedicating his all to his rugby career.