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Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer
England scrum-half Danny Care will assess his international future over the coming days but has not yet called time on his Test career.
Care, 37, won his 101st Test cap against France on Saturday as England finished the Six Nations with three wins from five. He featured in all five matches for Steve Borthwick’s side, starting against Scotland and coming off the bench in their wins over Italy, Wales and Ireland as well as their heart-breaking 33-31 defeat to France in Lyon on Saturday.
England will play a Test against Japan and two in New Zealand this summer, but Care has not yet made a call if he will continue to make himself available for selection.
When asked if it was a case of 101 and out, Care said: “Still not out at the moment. I’m going to go home and assess and speak to the family. I’ve not made any big decisions yet.
“What I have done though is I’ve loved being a part of this team. I genuinely have. The past year but particularly this past seven weeks, during the Six Nations, have been some of my favourite times in an England shirt. I’ve never been prouder to wear an England shirt.”
Care’s international career stretches back to 2008 when he made his debut against New Zealand and he brought up 100 caps in England’s memorable victory against Ireland at Twickenham in Round 4 of this year’s championship.
“If it had all finished a couple of years ago it would have been a bit meh, a bit rubbish, so I’m delighted with how the last year has gone,” Care said.
“I owe Steve [Borthwick] and the coaching staff an awful lot for giving me another opportunity for doing what I love doing the best.
“I’ve had an amazing time and this team is going to go in one direction, I’m sure of it. Whether I’m a part of that or not, I’ll be the happiest person to be a part of it or watching it.”
And Saturday’s match may yet be the final time England fans will see Manu Tuilagi in the famous white jersey. He has been linked with a move abroad at the end of the season, in a switch which would make him unavailable for Test selection.
“I don’t know what Manu has sorted out for next season but if it is [off] then it is a sad day because if Manu Tuilagi is in your team then people get excited and I have always been excited to play with him,” Care said of Tuilagi.
“Hate playing against him, love playing with him. I am not sure if he said anything yet but if he has then what a legend he has been.”