Leigh Halfpenny to leave Harlequins as one of 18 confirmed departures, including Danny Care

Leigh Halfpenny is the latest high-profile departure to be confirmed by Harlequins, with 18 players heading for The Stoop exit door. Danny Care had already previously confirmed his retirement, with the former England international's departure also listed in Quins' press release published on Saturday. Quins play their final home match of the season against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.

Harlequins have announced that Leigh Halfpenny will be amongst the 18 players leaving the club at the end of the season.

Halfpenny departs the club having made only 10 appearances during his one-season stint in London, after previous spells with Scarlets, Toulon, Cardiff and Crusaders.

The former British & Irish Lion and Wales international will leave at the expiration of his one-year deal at The Stoop.

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The 36-year-old is arguably the most high-profile departure, while Danny Care had already announced his impending retirement on Tuesday.

Care said in a statement: "So, it's finally time. Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible club, I'm going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season.

"I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting a lad from Leeds come down to this club and feel like home from day one.

"To all the fans. Thank you for everything you've given me and my family. As I said, you brought us into your hearts. You've sung my name louder than it's ever deserved. And I can't really put into words what representing this club and playing in front of you all has meant to me.

"To Charles and to Duncan, the owners of the club - two magnificent people, who’ve given me this opportunity to play here, and have stuck by me all these years – thank you both. I’d also like to thank all my amazing teammates, all the coaches, staff members who have been a part of my career.

"I will be supporting this club forever, and I’ll always be a Quin."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

It promises to be a big summer of change, with director of rugby Billy Millard amongst several high-profile backroom staff departures.

Millard said in quotes published on the club website: "There is a strong culture here at Harlequins, which makes the playing and performance staff very tight, so it’s always an emotional time of the season as we confirm the group of players leaving the club.

"I’d like to thank all the players for their commitment to the club. They are a great group of men, and we wish them luck in the next chapter of their lives, both on and off the pitch.

"This season, I’m joining the team of leavers to take up a new challenge. My time at Harlequins has been nothing short of amazing, and I cannot thank the board, staff, players, and supporters enough for creating so many memories and friendships for my family and myself."

Quins play their final Gallagher Premiership match of the season against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, with the fans set to bid farewell to all the players at full-time.

The full list of departures is listed below:

Lennox Anyanwu

Caleb Ashworth

Danny Care

Charlie Clare

Lewis Gjaltema

Tom Golder

Leigh Halfpenny

George Hammond

George Head

Irne Herbst

Wyn Jones

Will Joseph

Nathan Jibulu

Dino Lamb

Dillon Lewis

Will Trenholm

Archie White

Roma Zheng

- - -

Watch the Gallagher Premiership on TNT Sports and discovery+

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