He is now one of the game’s elder statesmen rather than an 18-year old academy recruit who was told he was not going to be offered a senior contract and is not preoccupied with adding to his 70 England caps.
At the start of last season, the 32-year Launchbury looked set to see out his career with Wasps and be part of England’s campaign in this year’s World Cup. And then the club he joined in 2010, the year after being released by Quins, collapsed and he found himself playing in Japan.
“It was a long time in between pulling the Harlequins shirt on,” said Launchbury, who made his debut for the club against Gloucester in the Premiership Rugby Cup in September. “Time goes scarily quickly: I have had conversations with young players here about not taking their careers for granted and remember being told exactly the same.
“I hope I have a few years left in me. I am really enjoying playing and when I came back from Japan, I wondered how I would adapt back in England and whether I would be up to how hard it is week in, week out. I am loving it.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 19, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 19, 2023-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
