England prop Joe Marler retires from Test rugby
Veteran England prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing an end to a career that spanned 95 caps.
The news comes after Marler copped plenty of flak for comments about the All Blacks haka and how he believed that it should be 'binned', a comment he later apologised for.
“Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble,” he said on Instagram. “I kept waiting for it to pop and me to suddenly go back to being a gobby, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it’s time.
“I can’t do what I used to do as well as I once could. I can’t keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are.
“I want to keep untarnished all these memories of my career, both good and bad. I don’t want to leave my house with my kids crying. I’m ready to make the change.”
The announcement was confirmed this morning by England Rugby and England head coach Steve Borthwick paid tribute to the loosehead: "Joe has been an outstanding servant to English rugby – a tough, uncompromising competitor on the field, and a genuine, one-of-a-kind personality off it. We’ll miss his humour, sense of fun, and the energy he brought to the squad. We’re grateful for all he’s given to England rugby, and though we won’t see him in an England jersey anymore, he’ll always be part of this team. Thank you, Joe."
It's not the first time Marler has retired from international rugby of course.
Marler, 34, initially stepped away from international duty in 2018, citing family reasons and a need for balance outside the game. He returned to the England squad the following year, answering Eddie Jones' call for experience ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
His comeback proved impactful, as Marler played a role in England’s journey to the final, where they were ultimately defeated by South Africa.
In 2020, Marler once again took a step back from international duty but was persuaded back into the fold by Jones. His formidable scrummaging, combined with his versatility and experience, made him a regular selection in Jones' teams and, more recently, Steve Borthwick’s squad.
This latest retirement marks what appears to be Marler’s definitive farewell to the international stage. Known for his combative style on the pitch and his distinct personality off it, Marler has become one of England rugby’s most recognisable figures over the past decade.
His 95 caps place him among the most-capped forwards in England's history, while his humour and off-field antics have made him one of the most colourful characters in the sport.
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Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
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