‘I never thought I'd achieve what I did’

IT SEEMED as if Danny Care would go on forever, but 20 years after he made his Premiership debut for Leeds the scrum-half has reluctantly called time on a career which has involved more than 500 matches for clubs and country.

- Paul Rees

As his half-back partner at Harlequins, Marcus Smith, reflects on the vagaries of sport after a season in which he went from being England’s best performer to replacement, Care’s career is a testament to durability and the capacity to recover from knockbacks as well as ability combined with the thrill of the chase.

“There was no way when I started out that I thought my career would pan out the way it has,” said Care, who makes his final appearance at the Stoop this afternoon when Quins take on Exeter. “I came here as a 19-year old kid hoping to play a few Premiership games and chase the ball.

“I am here 19 years on with so many memories, proud to have played for Harlequins and Leeds. If anyone had told me in advance how it would evolve, I would have called them a liar. I owe my two clubs a lot, from the coaches, staff and players I worked with to the friendships made that will last forever. I am a very lucky man.”

Care had signed a contract to continue playing next season, but felt he would be doing so for the wrong reasons, such as reaching 400 appearances for Harlequins (he is six short) and felt he would be holding back a teenage scrum-half at The Stoop, Lucas Friday, who was not born when Care arrived at the club and whose father, Mike, was his mentor.

“I spoke to many players I had played with and against and they all said you know when it is the right time,” said Care. “I know I could probably keep going physically, but it is more the mental side. As hard as it has been to make the decision, I am at peace with it because it is the correct one.

“I wanted to play as much as I could until I could not give it my all any more and that is nearly there. I would not want to stick around merely to get to 400 appearances, which is just a number. It is not me and it is someone else's turn to have a go.