"It's personal" - Why Steve Borthwick has blacklisted Billy Vunipola - Page 3 of 3 - Ruck

“It’s personal” – Why Steve Borthwick has blacklisted Billy Vunipola

#3. Joe Marler

Age: 32

Position: Loosehead-prop

Caps: 83

Marler is unlikely to return to the England team during the 2023 Six Nations after he breached one of Steve Borthwick’s main rules.

The new England boss has a “no sh**talking policy” with England, whereby he expects players to behave appropriately on the pitch.

As a result, Marler was left out of the Six Nations squad despite his fine form with Harlequins this season.

Marler’s latest ban was for six weeks – four of them suspended – after accepting a charge regarding comments made to Bristol flanker Jake Heenan about his mother.

At this stage, an international return looks very unlikely.

Joe Marler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK