England centre confirms retirement after ‘unforgettable journey’ and praises three coaches for ‘helping me reach my potential’
Retired England centre Jonathan Joseph has named Mike Ford, inset, as of his three most influential coaches
Former England midfielder Jonathan Joseph has confirmed his retirement from playing 10 months after he last took the pitch for Biarritz in the French Pro D2.
Last capped at Test level by Eddie Jones in November 2020, the 34-year-old headed across the Channel in the summer of 2023 after finishing up at Bath, and his final match came against Nevers in November 2024.
An injury that he hasn’t fully been able to recover from prevented him from making a comeback, and he has now called it quits in a poignant message published on social media.
“After an unforgettable journey in rugby, the time has come for me to announce my retirement from the game I love,” he began in an Instagram post that featured several pictures from across his career.
“I had to grow up fast… believe me”
“As a young boy starting out at Derby RFC, to earning 54 caps for England to the honour of pulling on the Lions shirt, starting my career at London Irish and spending 10 years playing for Bath, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to live out my dream on some of the biggest stages in rugby.
“My time at London Irish was amazing, playing and training alongside my heroes was such a surreal moment. I had to grow up fast… believe me.
“Endless punishment for being late, forgetting things, messy house, the list goes on. It took me a year to fully understand what it took to play in the Premiership (I genuinely nearly got kicked out my first year).
“Bath is now a place I call home. For many reasons it holds a special place in my heart, Bath gave me the opportunity to reach my potential and the endless memories I’ll have with me forever.
“Of course, I wish I had been more successful in my years there, particularly that 2014/15 season where we made the final. But that being said, I couldn’t have been happier spending 10 years of my career with one of the most iconic clubs in English rugby.
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“Biarritz, well French rugby was certainly an eye-opener. But to get the chance to join such a historic club at the end of my career, and to have my daughter spend the first two years of her life next to the beach is something I’m hugely grateful for.
“Playing for England was the pinnacle of my career. A dream I had as a young boy became my reality. Playing with the best, walking into the pitch with a packed-out stadium, facing the world’s best, and soaking in the atmosphere in the changing room after the final whistle – that’s what it was all about.
“To my teammates, coaches, support staff and everyone behind the scenes – thank you. You have pushed me, supported me and made me into the player I was. Neal Hatley, Mike Catt, Mike Ford.
“Those three particularly deserve a mention for helping me reach my potential and boy, I know that wasn’t an easy task. I’m certain that without the three of you, I wouldn’t have scratched the surface of my talent.
“To the fans, the people who allow so many of us to live our dreams. You’re everything and more. That feeling as players hearing the roar of the stadium, that feeling of heartache when we fall short. It’s all part of what makes this game so beautiful and special. Without you, there is no game.”
After going on in the post to thank his family for their help throughout his stellar career, Joseph signed off: “While I’ll miss playing and performing at the highest level. I’m excited for the next chapter and to stay connected to the sport in new ways.
“Rugby has given me so much; it only feels right that I give back. I’ll always be grateful for every moment I had as a player.
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