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Harlequins are hopeful Danny Care can play on next season following his retirement from international rugby, director of rugby Billy Millard says.
The 37-year-old ended his 101-cap England career after the Six Nations, in which he played all five games.
Millard said the scrum-half was a joy to work with and a “freak athlete”. He believes Care could play another season for the Premiership side.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” Millard told BBC Radio London.
“He’s got a big family and he’s got decisions to make but we’re very hopeful that we can get there shortly.”
Care has made 371 appearances and scored 110 tries for Harlequins since making his debut in 2006, winning two Premiership titles in a stellar career with the club.
He won the Six Nations three times with his country and was part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad that finished third in France.
“What I love about DC is he’s got those old school rugby values that are pretty cool to pass down to Marcus [Smith] and the younger guys,” Millard added.
“They love him and why wouldn’t they? He’s a joy to be around.
“He’s been a massive part of of this club since well before I got here so it’s been a pleasure to spend some time with him.”
Care was sin-binned in Harlequins’ humbling defeat by Saracens on Saturday, in which Alex Dombrandt scored his team’s only try in a 52-7 thrashing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking before Quins’ Premiership match against Bath at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, Dombrandt, 26, said Care was a “great player and a great person” to have at the club.
“What he has done on the pitch [in his career] has been outstanding. We’ve been very, very lucky to have him at Quins,” the England number eight said.
“He deserves all the plaudits he’s got on his [international] retirement for sure.”
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