England prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing an end to an England career spanning more than a decade.
CONTROVERSIAL HOT TAKE: JOE MARLER VERSUS HAKA
Marler, who didn’t play in Saturday’s epic showdown between England and the All Blacks, took to social media earlier this week to deride the haka dance performed by New Zealand players before each game, saying it “needs binning because it is ridiculous”.
After widespread criticism by the rugby public, including All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, England’s captain Jamie George distanced himself from the comments, followed by Marler who then came out with an apology, saying it was “poorly articulated” and that he “meant no malice”, adding: “I just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction.”
Haka are ritual war dances that form a significant part of indigenous Maori culture, and for decades have been closely associated with the All Blacks, long one of rugby union’s leading international teams.
JOE MARLER’S TEST CAREER SUMMARY
He won his first cap in 2012, when England toured South Africa and started all three games at the age of just 22, coming up against Jannie du Plessis in the scrum.
A notoriously good tackler and powerful scrummager, he has been one of the cornerstones of the England team since making his debut. Joe earned 95 caps for his country, was part of the Six Nations Grand Slam winning side of 2016, as well as the 2017 and 2020 teams that won the competition.
He also played in three Rugby World Cups, proving an integral part of the squad as England reached the final of the 2019 competition and the semi-final of the 2023 edition.
ENGLAND LOSE ONE OF ITS ALL-TIME GREATS
“I’m incredibly grateful I got to play 95 times for my country. I have to pinch myself. Did I really do that?,” said Marler.
“I’m sad to say goodbye to international rugby, but I’m really proud too. It’s time to exit one dream bubble and enter another.”
Head coach Steve Borthwick had nothing but high praise for Marler and his contributions to the England Test team.
“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,” the England chief said.
“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,” Borthwick concluded.
WATCH: JOE MARLER CALLS TIME ON ENGLAND CAREER
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