Retiring Danny Care Named The Five Toughest Opponents Of His Career

The 37-year-old, who featured prominently in England's recent Six Nations campaign, including his remarkable 100th cap milestone, has decided to hang up his international boots.

Reflecting on his journey, which saw him realize his childhood dream of donning the red rose jersey, Care expressed profound gratitude. "To represent England even once was beyond my wildest aspirations. To have done so over a century of times is truly humbling," he remarked.

Following deep contemplation, Care concluded that the time has come to pass the baton, both for himself and the team. "In the past year, wearing the England jersey has been an unparalleled joy.

"It's with a heavy heart but a sense of fulfilment that I announce my retirement from international rugby," he stated.

In homage to his remarkable career, Care shared insights into the toughest adversaries and most cherished teammates he encountered along the way.

Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try against Australia in 2015.

He's still doing his thing in his 40's for San Diego Legion in the USA.

CARE SAID: "I’ve played against Ma’a quite a few times. Firstly, he’s such a handful to rein in. Just look at him, he 17 odd-stone and unbelievably powerful but he’s so much more than just a crash ball merchant.

"He really worked on his offloading game and he reads the ball well. He’s a real specimen and will happily run over you all day but off the pitch, he’s really nice guy, the first to shake your hand and buy you a beer. He’s a great lad.

"I’d love to be his size for a couple of games, it would be a lot of fun."

CARE SAID: “He was incredibly skilful and can read the game so well but whatever position you put him in, he remains calm and almost always picks the right option.

"He’s a very intelligent player and in my opinion, is one of the best overseas players the Premiership has ever seen. One play sums him up. Against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup we had to win we trucked up the middle for about 30 phases to drop goal.

"After I threw him a terrible pass, he stepped three or four players, then it was recycled and he made another break but held off. On the third occasion he knocked over a truly horrible drop-kick and that’s why they paid him the big bucks.”

Wilkinson, an English rugby icon, is celebrated for his precision kicking and unyielding commitment to excellence. Renowned for his role in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson's career was highlighted by clutch performances and unwavering dedication. Post-retirement, he's ventured into coaching and philanthropy, continuing to inspire both on and off the field.

CARE SAID: “What can I say? There’s no doubt he was one of the world’s best players so to play with him was a privilege. I was quite young when I was in the England set-up with him and as you’d expect, he’s a really decent guy, a real gent. He’s so good with the players coming through, helping them settle into the squad.

"He’s done everything and won everything, Heineken Cup, World Cup, you name it. Even now he’s still one of the best around, yet he’s still so humble and hard-working. I can’t give him enough praise.

"He’s not only idolized in England but by players all over the world and that shows what a special player he is.”

One of the most feared players in the game, O’Driscoll was also one of the most consistent. His 141 Test caps, including eight for the Lions, place him second on Wales greatest players of the professional era behind Richie McCaw.

Ireland’s record try scorer with 46 touchdowns, O’Driscoll also led his country more times than any other player and his brilliant defensive qualities and dazzling attacking skills made him a threat all over the field.

CARE SAID: “Brian is probably the most talented player I’ve ever played against. He is a game winner, pure and simple. If you watch him play, he has touches of class no other players have.

"Like all great players, he reads the game well and if you watch him in midfield, his appreciation of space and ability to manipulate the defenders to create chances is so impressive. He also has an effective kicking game with little grubbers behind the defence and all the flicks and wrapround passes.

"I remember the one that set Simon Zebo up for a try against Wales was just magic. What a wonderful career he had.”

Marshall, a revered figure in rugby, is a former New Zealand scrum-half known for his quick thinking and exceptional skills. With a career marked by agility and strategic play, Marshall represented the All Blacks with distinction.

CARE SAID: “Justin was a massive role model and hero of mine growing up watching him play for New Zealand so I was chuffed to work with him for a short while at Leeds before moving down south.

"I learnt so much just watching him in training, the way he created space for other players, how he got across defenders. He saw gaps just by looking at people’s eyes, to see if they were not covering him. He was also very vocal, a great controller of the game and loved to attack.

"Like all good scrum-halves, he backed himself and liked the ball in hand so he could make things happen.”