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: Is England’s current success a fluke, or the result of a carefully orchestrated transition? Let’s dive in.
Care admits he wasn’t surprised by England’s turnaround, having witnessed the team’s evolution firsthand. “I saw the team trending in the right direction,” he says, reflecting on the 2023 World Cup campaign and the lessons learned from seasoned players like Courtney Lawes and Billy Vunipola. The 2024 Six Nations win against Ireland and the performance in Paris were defining moments. “That’s how England should play,” Care recalls, praising the blueprint set by players like Ben Earl and Marcus Smith. But here’s the kicker: Could Care’s own contributions have played a tiny part in this transition?
When asked if England needs to win the Six Nations to be serious World Cup contenders, Care’s response is thought-provoking. “They have to win it just to prove to themselves that they are that good,” he says, but adds that it doesn’t necessarily have to happen this year. The real question is: Can England sustain this momentum until 2027? With the last game in France, a win would be symbolic, echoing their 2016 Grand Slam triumph. And this is the part most people miss: The current squad’s near-miss in the 2023 World Cup semi-final will make them “way better players” for the next tournament.
Switching gears to Harlequins, Care’s former club, the conversation takes a somber turn. “It’s really tough to watch the club I love decline,” he admits. The loss of coach Danny Wilson and the team’s struggles have left fans wondering: Is this a reset year, or the beginning of a longer slump? Care suggests a long-term strategy, focusing on player retention and coaching stability. But here’s the controversial bit: Is producing England players actually hurting Harlequins’ domestic performance?
The rise of blowouts in the Premiership is another hot topic. “If you’re slightly off it, mentally more than anything, you’re gonna get beat,” Care explains. The league’s competitiveness is higher than ever, with teams capitalizing on the slightest mistakes. Could this be a result of rule changes, or is it simply the evolution of the game? Care isn’t sure, but he’s certain of one thing: “It’s great for attacking rugby, but not good for coaches’ heart rates.”
Retirement has given Care a new lease on life, both physically and mentally. “My knee’s not great, but I’m lucky I got to decide when my exit was,” he reflects. His transition into punditry and coaching has been seamless, offering him a way to give back to the sport. But here’s the emotional hook: “You’ll probably never have as much fun in rugby as you will now,” he tells young players, emphasizing the joy of the game.
Care’s role as an HSBC ambassador in Singapore brings a nostalgic twist. “Sevens is something I hold dear to my heart,” he says, reminiscing about his time on the circuit. Yet, he’s critical of the RFU’s decision to abandon the England sevens program. “It doesn’t make sense,” he argues, highlighting the benefits of sevens for player development. And this is where it gets controversial: Should sevens be a priority for rugby nations, or is it an unnecessary expense?
Finally, Care’s thoughts on code-switching and Joe Marler’s hypothetical sevens career add a lighter touch. “Marler in his prime would have been a formidable sevens player,” he laughs, imagining the chaos. But the underlying question remains: Is rugby missing out by not embracing opportunities like the Olympics more fully?
So, what do you think? Is England’s success sustainable? Should sevens be revived? And could Joe Marler have been a sevens legend? Let’s spark the debate in the comments!
