1
Marler on verge of quitting rugby - reports
By Ian Cameron
England prop Joe Marler is on the verge of quitting rugby according to reports coming out of the UK this morning.
The Daily Mail are reporting that the loosehead is questioning if he wants to return to the game after the backlash over a high-profile indiscretion during the Six Nations.
WATCH: Finn Russell talks to Jim Hamilton on The Lockdown
England beat Wales 33-30, but Marler was caught on camera grabbing Alun Wyn Jones genitals during the opening minutes of the match in Twickenham. The incident blew up and became a talking point both across traditional media and on social media platforms.
The Welsh skipper complained about the incident - which initially went unpunished - after the match at a press conference, and Marler was subsequently banned for 10 weeks by a disciplinary panel.
The backlash was most keenly felt on Twitter, where many rounded on the colourful frontrow, who is known for excentricities and left-field humour. While the majority took the incident relatively lightly, a vocal minority took the Harlequin to task for grab, with some evenly claiming it was a sexual assault.
He has since deleted his Twitter account, suggesting the prop had enough of the abuse being hurled at him online.
Now The Daily Mail are suggesting that Marler is on verge of quitting the game entirely. According to the paper, Marler's lockdown with his family has given him time to think about this future in the game.
Realistically, professional rugby could be suspended for months to come. Marler last re-signed with Harlequins in 2018 until 2021, which means he has another season to serve at the West London club.
However, he could vacate his contract.
Should Marler quit rugby, it wouldn't be his first unorthodox move.
In 2018, Marler sensationally quit international rugby, then aged just 28, due to the strain it was putting on him and his young family. He came back in 2019 following a Rugby World Cup SOS from Eddie Jones.
WATCH: England and Sale flanker, Tom Curry took on Dragons' Huw Taylor in the first round of the RugbyPass FIFA Pros tournament.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
Go to comments