Wasps Rugby STATEMENT

Thursday, 16 April 2026

Joe Launchbury announces retirement

Wasps Rugby would like to acknowledge Joe Launchbury following the announcement of his retirement from professional rugby.

Joe made his professional debut for Wasps in 2011 and went on to spend more than a decade with the Club, making 132 senior appearances. During that time, he established himself as one of the Premiership’s most consistent and respected second rows, representing Wasps with distinction throughout his career.

His performances at club level were matched on the international stage, where he earned 70 Test caps for England after making his debut in 2012. He featured in all four matches of his first autumn series, including starting in the victory over New Zealand, and was voted Man of the Series. Joe went on to start all five matches of the 2013 Six Nations and was named England Player of the Year in his first full season as a senior international.

He was a key contributor to three Guinness Six Nations title‑winning campaigns in 2016, 2017 and 2020, highlighted by a Grand Slam triumph in 2016, and was widely respected for his durability, work rate and leadership in the second row.

Everyone at Wasps Rugby would like to thank Joe for his immense contribution to the Club, both on and off the field, and to congratulate him on a remarkable career at the highest level of the game. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by supporters, teammates and staff alike.