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Marler's Barbarians call-up will generate England intrigue
By Online Editors
Joe Marler will join the Barbarians squad that will face an England XV in the Quilter Cup match on 2 June.
The Harlequins prop has been called up by Pat Lam a year after appearing against the famous invitation side at Twickenham.
Marler, 28, won 59 caps for England between 2012 and 2018 before announcing his retirement from international rugby last November.
He joins a stellar line-up with those already confirmed including big names from New Zealand, Wales and Argentina like Charles Piutau, John Afoa, Steven Luatua Malakai Fekitoa, Rhys Webb and Facundo Isa.
“Playing for the Barbarians is something I never thought would happen so I’m really excited to be involved — it’s a bit of dream come true,” said Marler.
“I’ve played against them for England, most recently last year, but it didn’t cross my mind that I’d get an invitation so I’m delighted to have been approached.
“I’m really looking forward to running out at Twickenham again but there’s also a bit of trepidation about walking into the Barbarians team room.
"It’ll be like the first day at school when you’re setting out to make a good impression. I know a few people like John Afoa but I’m sure I’ll have to win the others over!”
How Marler plays will be of great interest. After the news emerged last that England and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola will require surgery on a torn hamstring, calls were made on social media for the Harlequins loosehead to come out of international retirement before the World Cup.
Vunipola sustained his injury in the first half hour of Saracens’ Champions Cup triumph over Leinster in Newcastle and is set to face three months out, with England flying out to Japan in four.
The June 2 Twickenham double-header also sees the Barbarians women’s side line up against the Red Roses. Included in Baa Baas women’s team are England greats Rochelle Clark, Tamara Taylor and Danielle Waterman, as well as five Women’s World Cup winners from New Zealand.
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Latest Comments
Well said TJ. You can be proud of your AB career and your passion for the country, the AB team and Canes and Wellington has always been unquestioned. Enjoy the new chapter(s).
Go to commentsAgree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
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