Four England stars set to quit international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup - Page 4 of 4 - Ruck

Four England stars set to quit international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup

#4. Joe Marler

Joe Marler, the esteemed loose-head prop, is renowned for his reliability and prowess in the front-row. Despite retiring from international rugby, he made a momentous return to the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

His journey in the England setup began when he earned his first three senior caps against South Africa during the 2012 summer tour. Prior to that, he had already represented England at the U18 and U20 levels, showcasing his talent from an early age.

By March 2016, when he reached his 42nd international appearance against France, Marler had remarkably missed only four matches since his debut, contributing significantly to England’s Grand Slam victory. Although he withdrew from the following summer tour of Australia and took a break from the game, he returned to lead England out for his 50th cap in a remarkable triumph over Scotland in March 2017.

Later that year, he was a pivotal member of the British & Irish Lions squad during their tour of New Zealand, making regular appearances in their midweek games.

In September 2018, Joe Marler decided to retire from international rugby to prioritize spending more time with his family. However, his passion for the game and his commitment to representing England led him to reverse this decision, culminating in his return to the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. His dedication and skills make him an invaluable asset in the world of rugby.

Joe Marler of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK