Harlequins Grant Danny Care Special Dispensation for Final Game
In a heartwarming tribute to their retiring scrum-half, Harlequins have been granted permission to allow Danny Care to wear the number nine shirt in his final game on Sunday, despite being named on the bench. According to a report by the BBC, the club has been given special dispensation by the Premiership and opponents Exeter to deviate from conventional numbering regulations.
The BBC reports that starting scrum-half Will Porter will wear the 21 shirt for the match at the Stoop, marking a unique occasion where the traditional 1-15 numbering system has been relaxed. It is believed to be the first time this has happened since the standardised numbering system was implemented across the division over 20 years ago. As quoted by the BBC, this move highlights the special significance of Care’s final appearance.
Danny Care announced his retirement on Tuesday, marking the end of an illustrious 395-match career with Harlequins. The 38-year-old has made more appearances for the club than any other player in the professional era, a testament to his dedication and commitment. Care joined Harlequins from Leeds Tykes in 2006 and has won two domestic titles during his time with the club.
The BBC notes that top-flight teams are generally mandated to wear numbers traditionally associated with their positions. However, there have been some exceptions over the years. Leicester and Bristol, for example, stopped wearing letters on the back of their shirts in the 1990s, although Leicester’s shirts still feature a letter above the club crest. Additionally, Bath and Gloucester allow players to display the flag of a nation they have represented in Test matches on their club shirts.
In Care’s case, the decision to allow him to wear the number nine shirt is a fitting tribute to his contributions to the club. As reported by the BBC, this gesture acknowledges his status as a Harlequins legend and provides a memorable sendoff for the retiring scrum-half.
The move has been made possible by a relaxation of the Premiership’s regulations, which normally dictate that players wear specific numbers based on their position. The BBC understands that Harlequins were granted permission by the Premiership and Exeter to deviate from these regulations for Care’s final game. As stated by the BBC, "It is believed to be the first time that 1-15 numbering has been relaxed for a player since it was standardised across the division more than 20 years ago."
According to the BBC, Care’s final game will take place at the Stoop on Sunday, marking the end of an era for the club. The BBC’s report highlights that no player has made more appearances than Care for Harlequins in the professional era, underlining his importance to the club over the years. The special dispensation granted to Care is a testament to his enduring legacy at Harlequins.
