Harlequins hooker Joe Gray has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Gray was the first player to win every domestic trophy.
Gray started his career at Northampton Saints before moving to Quins in 2010. After starting in Quins’ 2012 Premiership final success over Leicester Tigers, he went on England’s summer tour to South Africa, playing two uncapped matches against the Barbarians.
A solitary international cap came in 2014 against New Zealand.
He stayed at the Stoop before heading to Saracens in 2018 where he was part of the squad that won the 2019 Premiership and European Champions Cup.
After two years at the StoneX Stadium, he initally moved back to Quins in Janaury 2020 on loan, before signing permanently in the summer. Gray came on as a replacement in the Premiership final to secure his second Premiership title for Quins in 2021.
Gray has played integral roles in three Gallagher Premiership titles, one Heineken Champions Cup, one Challenge Cup, one Greene King IPA Championship, two LV Cups and one British and Irish Cup during his time with Harlequins and Saracens.
Speaking to the club website, Gray said: “Harlequins is where I have spent 11 years of my career and the club I call home, it feels fitting that I’ll hang up my boots here. I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this sport professionally for 16 years at a number of top clubs competing for and winning silverware.
“I’ve lifted every domestic trophy, the Challenge and Champions Cups and represented my country; moments that will live with me forever. I couldn’t have done any of it without the incredible support I’ve received from my family, my friends, teammates and the support staff. In particular my wife Lottie, who has been my rock over the years.
“I’d be remiss not to mention the incredible supporters, who have been so instrumental. Playing in front of empty stadiums during the pandemic was a firm reminder to all of us just how important you all are to what we do. Thank you.
“I’m immensely proud to be a part of this Harlequins team as we defend our Premiership title this year.”
Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson added: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Joe this season. He’s a real Club legend. To win every English trophy available and both the European Challenge and Champions Cups in a 10+ year career is a unique achievement, but to found such a successful business alongside that is truly a remarkable accomplishment. He is also a great guy who is incredibly popular across the Club and our supporters – he will be a Quin for life.”
Away from the rugby pitch, Gray co-founded MyoMaster, a specialist sports recovery company that has gone on to become Harlequins’ Official Recovery Partner in a first-of-its-kind deal within the Gallagher Premiership.
