Volkswacht Bodensee - Care 'incredibly blessed' as Harlequins edge Exeter in his final home game

Care, 38, was introduced as a 64th-minute replacement at the Stoop when his side trailed by one point but a late penalty from England fly-half Marcus Smith sealed victory for Harlequins.

Former England scrum-half Care announced Tuesday he would retire from rugby at the end of this season.

Care won 101 caps for England over 16 years and called time on his international career after last year's Six Nations.

He featured at two Rugby World Cups and was a member of England's Grand Slam-winning team of 2016, also lifting Six Nations titles in 2011 and 2017.

Care has played nearly 400 times for London club Harlequins, winning the Premiership twice and the Challenge Cup in 2011.

He is also Quins' all-time leading appearance-maker in the professional era.

"I came here as a 19-year old, so I'm incredibly blessed with what I've achieved," said Care after Sunday's match.

"I owe this club so much as they've stuck by me through thick and thin with the crowd singing my name loudly which is far more than I deserve."

He added: "I haven't cried in years but I've cried about 20 times this week."

Harlequins coach Danny Wilson said: "Danny has had a phenomenal career with close to 400 games. He is a top bloke and a true Quins legend and I don't think his feats will be repeated again."

Cadan Murley, Will Porter and Smith scored Harlequins' tries, with Smith converting all three and landing what proved to be a decisive penalty.

Tommy Wyatt, Rus Tuima and Stu Townsend scored Exeter’s tries with Henry Slade adding two conversions and a penalty.

This may have been Exeter's 13th defeat in 17 Premiership matches his season but boss Rob Baxter was encouraged by way his the southwest side competed against Quins.

"Today we had the emotion and togetherness to stay in the fight with our discipline much improved," he said.

C.Kreuzer--VB