Danny Care Reflects on England's Rugby Resurgence and Personal Transition
Danny Care, the esteemed England rugby union scrum-half with 101 caps and three Six Nations titles to his name, has shared his insights on the national team's current trajectory, the challenges facing his former club Harlequins, and his unwavering support for rugby sevens. In a candid discussion, Care expressed optimism about England's future while reflecting on his own post-retirement journey.
England's Promising Path and Six Nations Ambitions
Care is not surprised by England's recent turnaround in form, noting that he observed positive trends during the latter stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign. "I saw the team trending in the right direction," he remarked. He highlighted the influence of experienced players like Courtney Lawes, Billy Vunipola, Joe Marler, Ben Youngs, and Dan Cole on the younger squad members, who have since stepped up impressively.
Reflecting on the 2024 Six Nations, Care recalled a pivotal moment in Paris: "Watching Ben Earl and Marcus Smith play quickly and carve up the French defence, I thought, 'That's how England should play!'" Although England lost that match, Care believes it set a blueprint for success. He emphasised that winning the Six Nations is crucial for the team's confidence as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where he feels England are well-positioned due to a favourable draw.
Harlequins' Decline and the Need for a Reset
Turning to Harlequins, Care admitted it is "really tough to watch" the club's struggles since his retirement in May 2025. He pointed to the departure of coach Danny Wilson on the eve of the season as a significant setback, exacerbated by the competitive nature of the Premiership. "If you are slightly off it, you're going to lose," he noted, referencing the league's high-scoring games this season.
Care suggested that Harlequins need a long-term strategy, including securing committed players and appointing new coaches to steer the club forward. He also mentioned the irony that producing England internationals, while a point of pride, can strain club resources and consistency.
Life After Rugby: Coaching, Punditry, and Advocacy
Since retiring after over 500 professional games, Care has embraced roles in punditry and coaching at a school, finding the latter particularly rewarding. "It gives me my fix of being on the pitch," he said, adding that he enjoys encouraging young players to be brave and confident. His school team's cup run, potentially leading to a match at Twickenham, evokes fond memories of his own youth rugby experiences.
Care also remains a vocal advocate for rugby sevens, criticising the RFU's decision to abandon the England sevens programme. He argued that sevens is invaluable for developing skills and handling pressure, citing his own unexpected success at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games as evidence. "I would challenge anyone that says there isn't a place for it in rugby," he asserted, calling for better funding akin to programmes in Australia and New Zealand.
Sevens and the Broader Rugby Landscape
During a trip to Singapore as an HSBC ambassador, Care reflected on the growth of sevens and its community appeal. He endorsed the idea of elite players, like Antoine Dupont, switching codes temporarily for events like the Olympics, believing it could enhance the sport's profile. On a lighter note, he joked about his friend Joe Marler's potential as a sevens player, praising Marler's past speed and skills while acknowledging his recent Traitors television success.
Overall, Care's perspective underscores a period of transition for both English rugby and himself, marked by hope for national success, concern for club stability, and a passion for nurturing the sport's diverse formats.
