Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby ending a 95-cap career with England.
His decision comes after he withdrew from Steve Borthwick’s autumn internationals squad due to personal reasons.
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Marler always proudly represented his countryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Harlequins prop made his debut in 2012 and won three Six Nations titles during his time with the Red Rose.
It’s not the first time he’s retired from international duty having briefly quite in 2018 before returning in a year later.
He was also a member of three World Cup squads with England, including the 2019 iteration.
Held in Japan, England lost the final 32-12 with Marler a second-half substitute.
“It’s time for me to move on,” said 34-year-old Marler.
“I’ve been really, really lucky to experience both the mega highs and the mega lows in an England shirt. I will cherish all of them because they all count.”
“Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble. I kept waiting for it to pop and me to suddenly go back to being a gobby, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it is time,” Marler said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I can’t do what I used to do as well as I once could. I can’t keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are.
“I want to keep untarnished all these memories of my career, both good and bad. I don’t want to leave my house with my kids crying. I am ready to make the change.”
England head coach Borthwick added: “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.
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Marler spoke with New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson on Saturday after his controversial haka commentsCredit: AFP
“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.”
Marler had been forced to apologise during the week after calling New Zealand’s haka ‘ridiculous’ and claiming it had needed ‘binning’.
The controversial opinion came in the run up to England’s 22-24 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday.
Ally McCoist backs Joe Marler’s take on issues with New Zealand’s Rugby Haka
And later he responded to criticism on social media.
He posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Hey rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week,” Marler posted on X. “I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction.
“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too. Now roll on 3pm on Saturday for a mega rugby occasion. England by six points.”
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