‘Long time coming’ – England legend Danny Care set for last Twickenham hurrah

England centurion Danny Care will play for the Barbarians in what could be his final game at Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby.

Barbarian F.C. have announced that Care will make his debut for the famous invitational side at the ripe age of 37 when the men in black and white hoops tackle Fiji.

The Killik Cup fixture sees the Baa-Baas take on the Pacific Islanders on Saturday, June 22, with the Springboks facing Wales in their first game since the Rugby World Cup final earlier on the same day.

Care announced his retirement from international rugby earlier this week after earning 101 Test caps for his country over 16 years.

Having featured in the Red Rose jersey at Twickenham over the years, he will now play in the star-studded Barbarians line-up set to be led by Kiwi coach Robbie Deans against the Flying Fijians.

‘Over the moon’

He will join fellow England stars Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer and Jonathan Joseph in the side and is relishing the prospect.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen to represent the Barbarians this summer,” he said. “You don’t get too many firsts at this stage of your career, but this has been a long time coming!

“It’s nearly happened a few times over the last few years, but now the stars have aligned, and I cannot wait to finally wear that famous black and white shirt. To do it at Twickenham as well is going to be so, so special for me.

“It’s hard to pinpoint what I am most excited about, as I’m really looking forward to experiencing the whole week. I’ve heard so many amazing stories from really good friends of mine who have done it before.

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“The chance to meet, bond, train with and then play alongside a group of players who I have admired and played against before in my career is going to be a unique experience. I’ll also get the opportunity to run out alongside some old friends as well, which will be really cool.

“I’ve always watched the Baa-Baas with such affection because of their style and how the team approaches the game. I feel like the Barbarians and myself could be a match made in heaven, so I really can’t wait to throw my own bit of flair into an already incredible team.”

Having started his career at Leeds Tykes, Care took his talents to Harlequins at age 19 and has since racked up a staggering 369 appearances for the Twickenham-based club, breaking Harlequins’ all-time appearance record in February 2023.

The number nine has also won two Premiership titles in the Famous Quarters’ jumper (2011/12 and 2020/21) as well as a European Challenge Cup (2010/11) and an Anglo-Welsh Cup (2012/13).

A silver Commonwealth Games medallist with the England sevens, Care debut for the senior men’s side in 2008 against New Zealand and became only the sixth player to reach a century of Test caps for the side earlier this month.

During his Test career, he has scored 15 tries, three drop goals and won three Six Nations titles (2011, 2016 and 2017) – including one Grand Slam. He also played six times for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, collecting a Bronze Medal.

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Last time at Twickenham?

While Care has yet to play for the Baa-baas, he has been on the opposite side of the pitch in fixtures involving the team, turning out in England colours in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2022.

He said: “I’ve played against the Barbarians quite a few times, facing some absolute legends of the game in the process.

“There’s been some bad memories of playing against them as well for sure! I’ve chased a lot of shadows, missed some tackles and got beaten up a few times. So, I can’t wait to experience being in that side, putting on that black and white jersey for the first time, and trying to put on a show for the thousands of fans who will turn out to watch at Twickenham.

“You never know when it will be your final time running out at Twickenham, so it’s really nice to know I am definitely heading back there again so soon after I announced my international retirement.

“The stadium holds so many amazing memories for me – not least the one a few weeks ago when I got to run out for England for the 100th time with my kids by my side – so it will be a special day, and my family is excited to see it.”

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