Joe Marler makes decision on international rugby as ‘one-of-a-kind’ personality bows out
England prop Joe Marler clapping fans.
England prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby after winning 95 caps for his country, which included featuring at three Rugby World Cups.
The 34-year-old’s decision was confirmed via England Rugby’s social media channels on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the side suffered a narrow loss to New Zealand.
Marler was not involved in the Test clash but was in attendance at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, as England went down to an agonising 24-22 defeat to the All Blacks.
Left the camp
The loosehead prop left the England camp earlier this week due to “personal reasons” and that now appears to have been his final departure from the international scene.
The outspoken front-rower was in the full glare of the public spotlight leading up to the Twickenham meeting after he took to X calling for the All Blacks’ haka to be “binned”.
That seemed to do the English no favours as their players and coaches were quizzed on the comments, while many felt it had done New Zealand’s pre-game team-talk for them.
The prop, who has 95 caps to his name after making his Test debut in 2012, has also been very open about his struggles with mental health issues over his rugby career.
Marler has left the squad in the past due to mental health reasons but did return and was a consistent performer and big personality for England on the international stage.
England head coach Steve Borthwick was full of praise for the player, who bows out after 12 years in Test rugby and will now focus solely on club matters at Harlequins.
“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,” he praised.
Grateful to him
“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.”
England return to action next weekend with a game against the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium before they face off with the world champion Springboks on November 16.
