In a sport where longevity at the highest level is increasingly rare, Danny Care continues to defy expectations. The 38-year-old former England scrum-half has confirmed he will return to Harlequins for a remarkable 20th season in 2025-26, further cementing his status as a club legend.
A Record-Breaking Quins Career
Care’s journey with the London club began way back in 2006. In the nearly two decades since, he has gone on to make a club record 386 appearances, playing an integral role in delivering two Premiership Rugby titles in 2012 and 2021.
The dynamic halfback’s longevity and consistency at the elite level is virtually unparalleled in the modern game. Yet Care shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by his influential display in Quins’ thrilling 34-34 draw against Leicester Tigers in December.
I will be at Harlequins next season, I ain’t leaving. I love it too much, I can’t give it up yet.
Danny Care speaking on the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast
An England Icon
Care’s club exploits have been matched by a stellar international career spanning 16 years. He earned 84 caps for England between 2008 and 2024, becoming just the sixth player to reach the 100 appearance milestone for the national team in a Six Nations victory over Ireland in March 2024.
While he called time on his England tenure shortly after that landmark occasion, Care’s hunger to continue performing at the highest level for Harlequins remains undiminished. His decision to play on in the 2025-26 Premiership Rugby season is a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to the club he has called home for nearly 20 years.
A Harlequins Hero
- Care made his Harlequins debut in 2006
- He has made a club record 386 appearances
- Integral to Premiership title wins in 2012 & 2021
- Will play 20th season for Quins in 2025-26
For Care, the opportunity to extend his legendary status at Harlequins was simply too good to pass up. He remains as hungry as ever to lead the club to further success and add to his already glittering legacy in the famous quartered jersey.
That game [34-34 draw against Leicester in December] probably reminded me again just how lucky I am, fortunate, to still play this game we love and to still play for the club that I love.
Care on his motivation to continue playing
With Care’s vast experience and unrivaled leadership, Harlequins will once again fancy their chances of challenging for silverware next season. As for the man himself, he has long since guaranteed his place in the club’s folklore. Playing on into his 20th year will simply add another remarkable chapter to one of Harlequins Rugby’s greatest ever stories.
