Danny Care bids emotional farewell to rugby after final Stoop win in Gallagher Premiership as Harlequins legend admits 'I've probably cried 20 times'
Published 18/05/2025 at 18:38 GMT+1
Harlequins and England legend Danny Care played the final game of his stellar rugby union career as Quins beat Exeter Chiefs 24-22 in the Gallagher Premiership on Sunday. Care made his 394th and final appearance for the club, coming off the bench in the second half to incredible adulation from the crowd at The Stoop. Care won the Premiership twice with Quins as well as the European Challenge Cup.
'It's been a mad week' - Care reflects on 'strange' Stoop farewell
Video credit: TNT Sports
Danny Care admitted to crying "20 times" in a week that saw his rugby union career end after playing his final game for Harlequins, bidding farewell to The Stoop in a 24-22 win over Exeter Chiefs.
The club were given permission for Care to wear the No. 9 shirt despite coming off the bench to make his 394th and final appearance for Quins.
Care came on with 16 minutes to go and witnessed Marcus Smith's winning penalty and although the lack of a bonus point scuppered Quins' slim chances of making the play-offs, Care delivered a powerful and emotional interview whilst speaking to TNT Sports.
"It's been a mad week, it's been a really mad week," Care said. "I felt uncomfortable having so much attention. Everyone thinks I love attention, but I probably feel more comfortable hearing negative things about you than positive.
"It's a bit strange. But the outpouring of love has been incredible. It makes me realise again how special this game is, the amount of amazing people you get to meet.
"I'm just so glad we got a win because it was looking a bit sketchy at the end.
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‘Everybody gets off their seats’ – Care enters pitch for final Harlequins appearance
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I thought I'd have a bit of fun at the end with that kick I tried [an attempted kick chase], I thought I might as well go out with a bang, I don't want to do a boring box kick.
"It's been a lot, it's been everything. I don't normally cry, I haven't cried in years. Then this week I've probably cried 20 times. It's been strange. Me and my wife, we have these moments and just talk about things, she goes, I go."
Joining from Leeds Tykes in 2006, Care went on to hold the record for most appearances for Quins, during which time he won the Premiership twice and the European Challenge Cup in 2011.
Care admitted he had struggled to control his emotions over the week, and his wife Jodie joined him to reveal that the Care household had been flooded with tears in the lead up to the match.
"All week, neither of us have stopped crying," Jodie said.
"We just look at each other and keep setting each other off. Today I've actually tried to enjoy it and not cry my whole way through it.
"We're just so proud of him, it's sad not to see him play again."
Care continued: "We look back at photos of when we met and then when Blake came along. They've grown up in front of Quins fans' eyes as well. I came here as a 19-year-old kid and I've come away 38, married, three kids, and incredibly blessed with what I've got and these are the reason I keep doing it.
"To be able to have some amazing memories with them. Hopefully maybe I won't be the only Care on a Twickenham Stoop surface.
"It's crazy, they sing my name louder than I ever deserved. These fans took me into their hearts from day one. I've always tried to play with a smile on my face, tried to have fun, tried to get a few of them off their feet and once again today. I'm not going to get this in another job.
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Highlights: Smith magic inspires Harlequins to tight win over Exeter in Care farewell
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I owe this club so much. They've stuck by me through thick and thin and it's been an honour to wear the shirt. I'm really excited for the next person who gets the opportunity now because it's a special club, and I'll be supporting them along the way."
Watch and stream the Gallagher Premiership on TNT Sports and discovery+
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