Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Joe Marler: England prop retires from international rugby

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England prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby having won 95 caps.

Marler made his England debut during the 2012 summer tour of South Africa and was part of three Six Nations-winning sides in 2016, 2017 and 2020.

He also represented England at three World Cups, including in 2019 when they were beaten by South Africa in the final.

“It’s time for me to move on,” said Marler, 34.

“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.”

The Harlequins prop was also part of the British and Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2017, though he did not play in a Test. He also made one appearance for the Barbarians in 2019.

He briefly retired from international rugby in 2018 but returned before the 2019 World Cup.

Marler was named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the ongoing autumn internationals but withdrew for personal reasons.

He apologised earlier this week after he described the New Zealand haka as “ridiculous” and said it needed “binning” in the build-up to Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks.

He later said he “should have done better at explaining things” and was “grateful” for the education he has received since.

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