One of English rugby’s most-capped internationals has announced that he will retire from the professional game at the end of this season.
England and British & Irish Lions tighthead prop Dan Cole announced on Tuesday he will hang up his boots, aged 38.
Cole came through Leicester’s academy before becoming his country’s second-most capped player on 118 appearances, behind teammate Ben Youngs.
The veteran scrum anchor won three Six Nations titles and featured at four Rugby World Cups. He also played three Tests in two Lions series and made his last England appearance in November.
“It has not been an easy decision at all,” Cole said in a Leicester statement. “I have been to-ing and fro-ing; however, I think this is the best time for me to finish playing.
Still one of the best videos in rugby.
STONE COLE. #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/ocRoLfqcOX
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) May 27, 2025
“I don’t want to be the old guy, just sat around and hanging on to something for too long,” he added.
England coach Steve Borthwick labelled Cole “brilliant”. “It was a privilege to play alongside Dan at the start of his Test career, and later to coach him,” Borthwick said.
“He’s not only a brilliant team player, but also a rare talent. His loyalty and service to both England and Leicester Tigers have been truly outstanding.
“While his retirement marks the end of a remarkable playing career, I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to make a meaningful impact in whatever comes next. We all wish him the very best for the future.”
Cole’s Leicester sit second in the Premiership table with one game of the regular season to play.
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