Launchbury chasing Premiership glory with Harlequins – ‘The only itch I’ve not scratched’

England’s Joe Launchbury has enjoyed a glittering career in rugby but admits there is a glaring omission on his CV that he would like to fill before he hangs up his boots.

The lock has earned 7src caps for his country since making his debut in 2src12 and was part of three winning Six Nations squads in 2src16, 2src17 and 2src2src.

At club level, Launchbury spent the majority of his career at London Wasps until its sad demise in 2src22 left him facing redundancy.

A short-term move to Japanese club Toyota Verblitz followed, but the 32-year-old is now back in the Gallagher Premiership with Harlequins, whose academy he was a part of between the ages of 15 and 18 before he joined the professional ranks.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he admitted it was a little “odd” to return to England after 12 years with Wasps but having been given the armband for the clash against Leicester Tigers, he is eager to make his impact felt.

“I think firstly, it’s obviously a fantastic club with some great history,” he said, when asked what brought him back to the Premiership. “Obviously a tiny emotional attachment to my time here as a kid as well.

“It’s getting a bit more normal now and really starting to feel at home here. It’s my job to come into a new environment, see where I feel there needs to be improvements