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Everything Happens for a Reason: My Life in Rugby
An honest, end-of-career autobiography from widely adored Harlequins and England rugby star Danny Care
They say everything happens for a reason, and I think my life is proof of that. There have been a series of moments, some of them tough setbacks, that have proved over time to be pivotal to the person – and player – I am today. There was the time when my dreams of a football career came to an abrupt end but opened the door for rugby in my life; the ill-judged sledging outing that may have cost me the opportunity to go on a Lions tour; the times when my name made the headlines for the wrong reasons; the choice I made to miss an England tour, which led to meeting the love of my life on a party island halfway across the world; and the devastating moment when Eddie Jones dropped me from the England squad and I thought my international career was over.
I sometimes wondered if it was meant to be but I kept on smiling and I worked hard as I kept my focus on playing the game that I love, that I owe everything to. And now, a little older and a little wiser – and with over 100 England caps, three Six Nations championships and two Premiership titles to my name, I want to tell you my story. The highs and lows, the good and the bad and everything in between.
They say everything happens for a reason, and I think my life is proof of that. There have been a series of moments, some of them tough setbacks, that have proved over time to be pivotal to the person – and player – I am today. There was the time when my dreams of a football career came to an abrupt end but opened the door for rugby in my life; the ill-judged sledging outing that may have cost me the opportunity to go on a Lions tour; the times when my name made the headlines for the wrong reasons; the choice I made to miss an England tour, which led to meeting the love of my life on a party island halfway across the world; and the devastating moment when Eddie Jones dropped me from the England squad and I thought my international career was over.
I sometimes wondered if it was meant to be but I kept on smiling and I worked hard as I kept my focus on playing the game that I love, that I owe everything to. And now, a little older and a little wiser – and with over 100 England caps, three Six Nations championships and two Premiership titles to my name, I want to tell you my story. The highs and lows, the good and the bad and everything in between.
- GenresAudiobook
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
34 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 12, 2024
Danny Care has been one of my favourite rugby players since I was quite young. He has had one hell of a career, and I was looking forward to reading all about it in his own words.
Everything Happens For A Reason follows his life and career from childhood, right up to now. His journey into rugby wasn’t exactly a straightforward one, and actually wasn’t the sport he wanted to play growing up. DC probably could have made it as a professional footballer, but I for one am very glad that he found his way to rugby. He highlights the difficulty, and the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to make it. Obviously DC’s story only involves football and rugby, but I think this is also relevant to professional sport as a whole. He has clearly put his heart and soul into rugby, and his incredible achievements are the direct result of that.
There are some brilliant stories in this book too. Some of the things rugby players get up to are absolutely hilarious! Of course, some of these stories include my favourite person, Joe Marler, but I would be completely shocked if they didn’t. Honestly, I’d love to be a fly on the wall for some of the tour antics. More high moments in the book include the Premiership title wins, and Six Nations wins, which as a supporter were huge moments, so reading it from a players perspective was super enjoyable.
However, the atmosphere isn’t always fun and light-hearted, and Danny doesn’t shy away from the lows. He has lifted the lid on a few things that went on behind the scenes, including the fall out from the infamous ‘Bloodgate’ incident at Harlequins, but most notably he discussed the environment created in and around the England camp by Eddie Jones. There have been rumours swirling about Eddie’s leadership for a few years now, but DC doesn’t hold back, and the truth is shocking.
This book is incredibly honest, beautifully written, and a joy to read. DC’s love for his family, for his teammates, and for rugby as a whole are the true highlight of his story, and I’m grateful that he has shared it with us all.
I also want to say thank you to Danny, because Danny you have given us Quins and England fans so many amazing memories and brought us so much joy and happiness over the years. Our love for the game wouldn’t exist without people like you!
Everything Happens For A Reason follows his life and career from childhood, right up to now. His journey into rugby wasn’t exactly a straightforward one, and actually wasn’t the sport he wanted to play growing up. DC probably could have made it as a professional footballer, but I for one am very glad that he found his way to rugby. He highlights the difficulty, and the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to make it. Obviously DC’s story only involves football and rugby, but I think this is also relevant to professional sport as a whole. He has clearly put his heart and soul into rugby, and his incredible achievements are the direct result of that.
There are some brilliant stories in this book too. Some of the things rugby players get up to are absolutely hilarious! Of course, some of these stories include my favourite person, Joe Marler, but I would be completely shocked if they didn’t. Honestly, I’d love to be a fly on the wall for some of the tour antics. More high moments in the book include the Premiership title wins, and Six Nations wins, which as a supporter were huge moments, so reading it from a players perspective was super enjoyable.
However, the atmosphere isn’t always fun and light-hearted, and Danny doesn’t shy away from the lows. He has lifted the lid on a few things that went on behind the scenes, including the fall out from the infamous ‘Bloodgate’ incident at Harlequins, but most notably he discussed the environment created in and around the England camp by Eddie Jones. There have been rumours swirling about Eddie’s leadership for a few years now, but DC doesn’t hold back, and the truth is shocking.
This book is incredibly honest, beautifully written, and a joy to read. DC’s love for his family, for his teammates, and for rugby as a whole are the true highlight of his story, and I’m grateful that he has shared it with us all.
I also want to say thank you to Danny, because Danny you have given us Quins and England fans so many amazing memories and brought us so much joy and happiness over the years. Our love for the game wouldn’t exist without people like you!
August 28, 2025
Yes—I’m a huge Harlequins fan and a rugby player myself, so this book hit me right in the sweet spot. Everything Happens for a Reason isn’t just an autobiography; it’s a masterclass in grit, charm, and the kind of legacy that lives far beyond the final whistle.
Danny Care writes like he plays: sharp, instinctive, and full of heart. From his early days in Leeds to becoming the heartbeat of Harlequins, every chapter pulses with honesty and humour. He doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—England selection dramas, injuries, and the emotional toll of elite sport—but he balances it with locker-room banter and moments of pure joy.
🏉 Why it lands so well:
• Care’s love for Harlequins is woven through every page—this is a man who bleeds multi-coloured hoops
• His reflections on leadership, loyalty, and legacy are gold for any player who’s lived the game
• The storytelling is warm, cheeky, and deeply human—like sharing a pint with a mate who’s seen it all
For anyone who’s ever laced up boots, stood shoulder to shoulder in a scrum, or just roared from the Stoop stands—this book is a celebration. It’s not just Danny’s story. It’s ours.
Danny Care writes like he plays: sharp, instinctive, and full of heart. From his early days in Leeds to becoming the heartbeat of Harlequins, every chapter pulses with honesty and humour. He doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—England selection dramas, injuries, and the emotional toll of elite sport—but he balances it with locker-room banter and moments of pure joy.
🏉 Why it lands so well:
• Care’s love for Harlequins is woven through every page—this is a man who bleeds multi-coloured hoops
• His reflections on leadership, loyalty, and legacy are gold for any player who’s lived the game
• The storytelling is warm, cheeky, and deeply human—like sharing a pint with a mate who’s seen it all
For anyone who’s ever laced up boots, stood shoulder to shoulder in a scrum, or just roared from the Stoop stands—this book is a celebration. It’s not just Danny’s story. It’s ours.
November 24, 2024
5 stars if you are a Harlequins fan like me (essential reading). Maybe 4 otherwise.
A great insight into what it means to be a professional Rugby Union player at both club and international level.
The revelations about the controversial methods used by Eddie Jones and the contrast with Steve Borthwick are very interesting.
If you support Quins (or not) there is a lot of amusing and interesting stories about life behind the scenes at a great rugby club.
A great insight into what it means to be a professional Rugby Union player at both club and international level.
The revelations about the controversial methods used by Eddie Jones and the contrast with Steve Borthwick are very interesting.
If you support Quins (or not) there is a lot of amusing and interesting stories about life behind the scenes at a great rugby club.
January 6, 2025
Reviewed very much through Quins tinted glasses, but this is everything you want from an autobiography. Untold stories, honest opinions and authentically written, DC has produced a rare find of a decent sports autobiography. Chapters on his early disciplinary issues, jousting with Eddie Jones and his ongoing battle for the England 9 jersey were genuine page turners. Fair play DC, 5 star review for a 5 star Quins legend
November 25, 2024
I ripped through this book. I found it well written and compelling. Open, honest and often painfully human. Best autobiography from the rugby world I’ve read and an insight to the world of rugby that truly shows the ups and downs. If there is a rugby fan in your family they will love this one for Xmas.
November 13, 2024
A must read for any England rugby fans - especially fans of the Mighty Quins!
Care gives us an insightful, brutally honest yet entertaining account of his time in rugby. Shedding a fascinating light on some of the behind the scenes goings on at England & Harlequins.
Care gives us an insightful, brutally honest yet entertaining account of his time in rugby. Shedding a fascinating light on some of the behind the scenes goings on at England & Harlequins.
February 8, 2025
A good book and insight into Danny’s career. Lots of interesting insights into the Harlequins team and England setups through the years. Towards the end the funny stories started to thin out and it became a drier read.
February 26, 2025
An interesting insight in to life as a professional rugby player. The ups and downs of professional sport are expressed in a light hearted manner. Interesting to hear about playing under Eddie Jones!
November 25, 2025
Although I’m not an England fan, Danny Care and Courtney Lawes are my all time favorite English players. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and Danny’s insider commentary on many of those events I’ve witnessed as a rugby fan.
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January 28, 2025Great read, really interesting for a quins superfan
January 30, 2025
An excellent book, very open and honest depiction of Danny’s wonderful career. Loved every minute of it
February 7, 2025
Entertaining & passionate..what a 🏉 career.
February 13, 2025
Excellent biography and recent history of English rugby
February 24, 2025
Wonderful love letter to rugby. Great to relive some amazing sporting moments as well as the 2023 World Cup so soon! Probably would have been 5* if I was a Quins fan.
April 10, 2025
Amazing book from an amazing player, you don’t normally get someone who at the age of 14 didn’t really play the sport they have been a record breaker in. Truly a gifted athlete.
June 16, 2025
Interesting book from a legend of the game, giving real, honest insight into the teams he's been involved with.
August 13, 2025
Some interesting insight into Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick – but wow he really does hate Saracens
January 12, 2025
So being a quins fan this was a no brainer to buy, especially after reading Marler's a few years back. Danny lets you in on a lot of rugby behind the scenes stories shall we say and has the minerals to finally lift the lid on England coaches who we never really knew. Great easy read from a England and harlequins legend. Thank you Danny for a great career mate.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews