Joe Marler has written soon-to-be-published book on his colourful career's 'ups and downs'

Colourful England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has announced he has written a book that will be available on October this year. The 30-year-old took to social media to reveal that Loose Head will be about his “comings and goings, ups and downs, rollercoaster of a career to date”. 

As one of the most enigmatic characters in the game currently, this may stand alone as something that is quite different from the usual autobiographies that are written.

Already this year the 66-cap England international has found himself in hot water following his now-infamous groin grab of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in the Six Nations, for which he received a ten-week ban (that has now passed without Marler missing a game of rugby due to the Covid-19 pandemic). 

Even in recent weeks, the prop engaged in a minor war of words with former England coach Clive Woodward concerning the England team’s conduct leading into the Rugby World Cup final last year in Yokohama. 

It would be wrong to say those were isolated incidents in a colourful career where he has spent more time on the sideline than most.

But the likes of England head coach Eddie Jones have embraced Marler’s character. Despite a short-lived retirement from international rugby in 2018, he has thrived under the Australian, touring with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and playing in the RWC final last year. 

The book will be one of quite a few autobiographies released this year from some of England rugby’s most intriguing characters. 

Former England captain Dylan Hartley is set to release his book, which is likely to give a great insight into an at times controversial career, while James Haskell is also releasing a slightly more jocular memoir.