Joe Launchbury to retire from rugby union

Harlequins can confirm that Joe Launchbury, one of English rugby's most decorated and respected forwards, will retire from professional rugby union at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Launchbury, who first arrived in South West London in 2023, currently holds 50 caps for the Quarters – a milestone achieved in this season’s Investec Champions Cup victory way at La Rochelle.

Throughout his time at The Stoop, the former Wasps stalwart played a pivotal role in the forward pack's dynamics - providing stability in the lineout and scrum when called upon, while offering leadership and mentorship to younger forwards.

At Club level, Launchbury gave most of his career to Wasps with over a decade of service and 132 appearances before a painful chapter saw the club enter administration in 2022. A brief spell in Japan with the Toyota Verblitz followed prior to his return to the PREM with Quins.

On the international stage, Launchbury earned 70 Test caps for England after bursting on to the Test arena in 2012. In his very first autumn series for England, he was voted Man of the Series and then started all five matches of the 2013 Six Nations, which saw him named England Player of the Year in his first full season as a senior international.

Launchbury featured prominently in major tournaments including the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups - reaching the final in Japan before losing to South Africa. Across his international career he contributed to three Six Nations titles - in 2016, 2017, and 2020 - including a Grand Slam in 2016.

"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,” said Launchbury.

"It is hard to put into words what this game has meant to me. What started as a young lad at Exmouth Rugby Club became a journey that took me across the world and gave me memories I will carry for the rest of my life. To have worn the England shirt 70 times, to have given so many years to Wasps, to have had the honour of representing Harlequins, and to experience a season in Japan. I've been so fortunate to represent the teams I have.

"To my teammates, past and present, thank you. The friendships we have built go far beyond rugby. Not a day went by where I did not enjoy being around the people, I was lucky enough to call teammates. You made every challenge worthwhile.

"To the coaches and staff who believed in me, pushed me, and helped me grow, I am forever grateful. And to the fans, your support through every high and low has meant a lot to me and the teams I have been a part of.

"Most importantly, my family. Mum, Dad, and my sister Victoria, thank you for everything you gave me from the very beginning. Your support, whether near or far, has meant the world to me.

"Mallory, there are not enough words. You have been my strength through everything. The sacrifices you have made and the way you have supported me, always putting me first, is something I will never be able to repay. I only hope I have made you proud.

"Blythe, Hayden, Quinn, and our baby boy on the way, you are my reason for everything now. I hope one day you look back and feel proud, but more than anything I hope this journey shows you what hard work, resilience, and commitment can lead to.

"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!

"I would love to stay involved in the game in some way, but for now I am looking forward to what comes next, and most of all, being present to watch my children grow up.

"Thanks for the memories, Launchers."

Head Coach, Jason Gilmore added: “Joe is an incredible man who has enjoyed fantastic career, and we feel privileged to have had him here at The Stoop for his final chapter. What he has brought to this group goes far beyond what you see on the pitch at the weekend. His standards, professionalism and willingness to give time to the younger players in this squad is testament to him as a player and his character.

"When you look at what Joe has achieved - 70 caps for England, two World Cups, three Six Nations titles - you are talking about one of the great servants of English rugby.  

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank Joe for everything he has given to Harlequins and wish him and his young family the best of luck in their next chapter.”