Joe Launchbury appointed head of Worcester Warriors academy

Joe Launchbury has been named the head of academy for Worcester Warriors, a position announced on June 17, 2026. The former England lock, who previously played for Harlequins and Wasps, retired from professional rugby at the conclusion of the regular Premiership season after a three-year stint with Quins, where he made 51 appearances. Launchbury earned 70 caps for the England national team, winning the Six Nations title three times and competing in two World Cups.

Much of Launchbury's career was spent with Wasps, where he accrued more than 150 appearances during two separate spells. His time with the club saw him navigate challenging circumstances, including Wasps entering administration in October 2022, shortly after Worcester faced a similar fate. However, Worcester made a successful return to the sport at the beginning of last season, achieving a commendable victory by defeating Ealing, the champions during the regular season, to clinch the play-off final.

Upon his appointment, Launchbury expressed his excitement for the role, stating he felt "really honoured" to join Worcester, a club known for its rich history, particularly regarding its academy. He emphasized his enthusiasm for working with young players, stating, "Working with the next generation, working with these younger players definitely excites me, and the opportunity to come here to Worcester was something I didn’t want to turn down."

The establishment of an academy is essential for clubs planning to apply for a position in the Premiership, which is set to expand starting in the 2029-30 season. Worcester Warriors' chief executive, Stephen Vaughan, noted that the club is in "no rush" to return to the top level of competition immediately. Vaughan described Launchbury as "the ideal person" to lead the academy, citing his "outstanding playing career, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of player development." He anticipated the positive impact Launchbury would have on talent identification and the player pathway program.