England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has chosen to step away from international rugby for the second time.
The sometimes controversial but often indispensable 34-year-old Harlequins player, known for his powerful presence as a loosehead prop, announced he would step away from the England squad for the second time. Originally included in England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign, Marler left the camp last month due to personal reasons – thought his outsized personality meant he dominated the conversation going into yesterday’s thrilling Test match in London.
This announcement brings close a 12-year Test career which saw him earn 95 caps for his country, becoming the ninth-most capped player in England’s history and third-most among England props, behind Dan Cole and Jason Leonard.
His international journey began in 2012 against South Africa, and he quickly became a key player under head coach Stuart Lancaster, later playing under Eddie Jones and then Borthwick.
Reflecting on his career, Marler shared: “Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble. But you know when it is time.” He admitted that his heart was no longer in it during England’s recent training camp in Girona, Spain, and he felt unable to give his best to the team. He also expressed a desire to prioritise his family and preserve the cherished memories of his career.
Marler’s Test career included significant highlights – and of course the aforementioned controversy. He was part of the England team that secured three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016. He also made the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, although he played in mid-week games rather than the Tests.
In 2019, after briefly retiring due to mental health struggles, he returned for the Rugby World Cup in Japan, where England reached the final, ultimately losing to South Africa.
Marler’s career was also marked by occasional disciplinary issues. In 2016, he was suspended for two matches and fined after a slur against Welsh prop Samson Lee. In 2020, he faced another suspension for grabbing Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones in a ‘sensitive’ area, although the COVID-19 pandemic meant he missed no matches.
In 2023, Marler played in England’s Rugby World Cup semi-final run and joined discussions on how to face New Zealand’s Haka in their recent Twickenham clash, which England narrowly lost 24-22.
Days after the match, he decided to step back from the Test arena, with his final England appearance in Dunedin in July during the Summer Tour of New Zealand.
While his international career has ended, Marler plans to continue playing for Harlequins until the end of the season, after which he intends to retire from rugby altogether. His departure follows a wave of post-World Cup exits by senior England players, including Courtney Lawes, Jonny May and Ben Youngs, and Danny Care after the 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
Marler’s contribution to England rugby leaves a lasting legacy, blending intense commitment with an indelible mark on the sport’s recent history. Part of that legacy will no doubt include helping to bring through the next generation of England props, including clubmate Fin Baxter, who has made an assured start to his England career.
Many believe there should be more characters like Marler in the game, but can be sure to look forward to further outspoken opinions from the East Sussex man.
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