England’s rugby resurgence is nothing short of remarkable, and one man who’s been at the heart of it all is Danny Care. From his insights on the Six Nations to his thoughts on the Rugby World Cup and Harlequins’ struggles, Care offers a unique perspective that’s both candid and compelling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did England’s transformation truly begin with the departure of seasoned players, or was it a natural evolution of a team finding its identity?
Care, who was part of the 2023 World Cup campaign, admits he wasn’t surprised by England’s turnaround. ‘I saw the team trending in the right direction,’ he says. The influence of veterans like Courtney Lawes, Billy Vunipola, and Ben Youngs left an indelible mark on the younger players. Fast forward to the 2024 Six Nations, and England’s win against Ireland in Paris became a defining moment. ‘That’s how England should play,’ Care recalls thinking, watching Ben Earl and Marcus Smith carve up the French defense. Even in defeat, he felt the team had found its blueprint for success.
But is winning the Six Nations a must for England to be considered serious World Cup contenders? Care argues it’s more about self-belief than immediate results. ‘They have to win it just to prove to themselves that they are that good,’ he says, though not necessarily this year. With the final game in France—a place where England clinched a Grand Slam a decade ago—the stakes are high. ‘It would be quite special,’ Care admits, adding that the experience of falling just short in the 2023 World Cup will make the current squad ‘way better players’ by 2027. And this is the part most people miss: England’s draw in the World Cup is favorable, and 18 months out, they’re in prime position to make a run.
Switching gears to Harlequins, Care’s former club, the conversation takes a somber turn. Since his retirement last May, the team has struggled, and Care admits it’s ‘really tough to watch.’ The loss of coach Danny Wilson on the eve of the season didn’t help, but Care refuses to place blame solely on the current staff. ‘Maybe this is a bit of a reset year,’ he suggests. To turn things around, Harlequins need a clear vision, long-term player commitments, and a coaching staff capable of steering the club forward. Ironically, producing England players—a point of pride—has become one of the club’s challenges, as the league’s competitiveness leaves little room for error.
Why are blowouts becoming more common in the Premiership? Care isn’t entirely sure, but he points to the mental strain of the game. ‘If you’re slightly off it, mentally more than anything, you’re gonna get beat,’ he explains. Teams are scoring quickly, and once momentum shifts, it’s hard to recover. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the modern game too unforgiving, or are teams simply not prepared for the relentless pace?
Nine months into retirement, Care reflects on his 500-game career with a mix of gratitude and relief. ‘My knee’s not great,’ he admits, but watching from the sidelines has confirmed his decision to retire. Coaching at a school has been ‘brilliant,’ allowing him to give back while staying connected to the game. ‘It’s rewarding to help kids see their potential,’ he says. Meanwhile, his role as an HSBC ambassador has taken him to Singapore, where he’s been immersed in the local culture and rugby community. ‘It blows my mind,’ he says of the experience.
But here’s the real debate: Is the RFU making a mistake by abandoning the England sevens programme? Care, like Mike Friday, believes it’s a missed opportunity. Sevens, he argues, was a rite of passage that honed his skills and confidence. ‘I don’t see the downside,’ he says, challenging the notion that it’s too costly. Australia and New Zealand have proven it’s possible with the right funding. This leads to another controversial point: Should elite men’s players, like Antoine Dupont, be encouraged to switch codes for the Olympics? Care thinks so, envisioning a ‘frightening’ England sevens team. ‘I can’t see any harm in it,’ he says, though he doubts it will happen.
Finally, Care shares a lighter moment, imagining his friend Joe Marler as a sevens player. ‘In his prime, he would have been formidable,’ Care laughs, adding that Marler’s antics would have made for entertaining rugby. From the pitch to punditry and coaching, Care’s journey is a testament to his love for the game. But the question remains: As England marches toward the World Cup, will they capitalize on their momentum, or will the pressure prove too much? What do you think? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
