Joe Marler has announced his retirement from rugby aged 34 – three weeks after calling it quits for England.
The Harlequins prop will walk away from the sport following Friday night’s clash with Bristol Bears.
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Marler spent his entire career at Harlequins – making his debut in 2009
And the 95-cap Red Rose international has joked fans no longer have to cheer his name from the stands after the many suspensions he earned during his 15-year career.
A statement from Marler read: “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game.
“On Friday night I’ll play my last ever match for Quins. After all these happy years, it’s over.
“The most important thing I want to say to our fantastic supporters is thank you. Thank you for your patience and support, when you could easily have turned your back on me.
“For the kindness you’ve shown, even when I haven’t deserved it, and for cheering my name… even after I’d been banned again.
“I feel lucky to have pulled on the jersey worn by so many idols of mine, and so many better players. That’s an incredible thing to me.
“I got to stand alongside with so many great players and people that have made this club so special.
“I’ll always be grateful to the club’s owners, Charles and Duncan, for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream.
“See you down the road. We’ll meet again. Although, ideally not in Biarritz in torrential rain.”
It was only earlier this month that Marler shocked fans after calling time on his international career after withdrawing from Steve Borthwick’s autumn internationals squad due to personal reasons.
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Marler amassed 95 caps for the Red Rose between 2012-2024Credit: PA
He retired as one of England’s most beloved players having made his debut in 2012.
An integral player under Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones and then Borthwick, Marler won the Six Nations on three occasions – in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
And he also played in three World Cups – featuring in the 2019 final defeat to South Africa – while also helping England to a third-place finish in the 2023 edition.
His form for England and Harlequins, who he spent his entire club career at, saw him selected for the British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand in 2017.
And Marler will now be hoping to be given the perfect send-off in front of his adoring Quins fans on Friday at Twickenham Scoop.
One of the club’s biggest legends, Marler, who has chipped in with 55 points from 285 appearances, was a key member of both of their Premiership Rugby triumphs in 2012 and 2021.
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Marler’s farewell match before retirement will be on Friday nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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The Red Rose cult hero has enjoyed plenty of success from his career
He also starred in the club’s European Challenge Cup success in 2011, where Quins beat French outfit Stade Francais in the final.
Waxing lyrical over the player, Quins head coach Danny Wilson remarked: “Joe should be incredibly proud of his fantastic career.
“He’s a remarkable character on and off the pitch and hugely popular with our supporters.
“In retirement he should rightly be recognised for his outstanding achievements for both club and country.
“In the modern game, it’s rare that players stay at one club for the duration of their professional career and that can’t be overlooked.
“It speaks volumes of Joe’s connection to the Club, it’s staff and the players he’s shared the pitch with throughout the years.
Joe Marler leaves Ally McCoist in stitches with his take on the haka
“He’s one of rugby’s big characters and will be missed. Everyone at the Club wishes Joe, his wife Daisy and their young family the very best in this next chapter.”
It remains to be seen what the next step will be for Marler, but he could find himself back in the talkSPORT studio after leaving Ally McCoist in stitches during his appearance on the Breakfast show two weeks ago.
Marler offered a bullish reply when asked what goes through his mind when he watches New Zealand’s famous Haka having previously insisted it ‘needs binning’
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