Everything Happens for a Reason: My Life in Rugby

An honest, end-of-career autobiography from widely adored Harlequins and England rugby star Danny Care

They say everything happens for a reason, and I think my life is proof of that. There have been a series of moments, some of them tough setbacks, that have proved over time to be pivotal to the person – and player – I am today.

There was the time when my dreams of a football career came to an abrupt end but opened the door for rugby in my life; the ill-judged sledging outing that may have cost me the opportunity to go on a Lions tour; the times when my name made the headlines for the wrong reasons; the choice I made to miss an England tour, which led to meeting the love of my life on a party island halfway across the world; and the devastating moment when Eddie Jones dropped me from the England squad and I thought my international career was over.

I sometimes wondered if it was meant to be but I kept on smiling and I worked hard as I kept my focus on playing the game that I love, that I owe everything to. And now, a little older and a little wiser – and with over 100 England caps, three Six Nations championships and two Premiership titles to my name – I want to tell you my story. The highs and lows, the good and the bad and everything in between.

Danny Care is a world-class Rugby player who has represented England at every level. Born in Yorkshire, the scrum-half began his professional career with Leeds Tykes in 2003 and has gone on to become Harlequins' most capped player almost 20 years after joining them in 2006. His contributions to the team have been instrumental to their victories across Europe and two domestic titles.

After multiple Rugby World Cups and Six Nations tournaments, Danny became just the sixth player to reach 100 Test caps for his country during England's win over Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations Championship. Shortly after achieving this remarkable milestone, Danny announced his retirement from international rugby and was widely celebrated for not only his stellar England career, but also his unwavering commitment to playing the game his way. He lives in Surrey with his wife, Jodie, and their three young children.