England and Harlequins icon Joe Marler has admitted that Harlequins’ heavy 48-24 defeat to Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership confirmed his decision to retire was the right one.
Making his 286th and final appearance for Quins, Marler lasted 48 minutes before returning after the whistle to bid an emotional farewell to the Stoop faithful. Just four weeks earlier, the 34-year-old brought his England career to a close, and he now leaves the game entirely.
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Reflecting on the decision post-match, Marler opened up to TNT Sport:
“I couldn’t do it any more emotionally, physically, mentally. After the England announcement, this was inevitable. I would much rather go out now rather than flog a dead horse for the next six months.”
Marler, known for his wit as much as his scrummaging, revealed that his final outing came by request:
“I actually went out last week, I quit last week, but they said, ‘Can you come back for one more game because Fin Baxter needs a rest?’ I said I’ll come back and say goodbye to the fans. The time is right when you know.”
The prop, who has been a stalwart for Harlequins for over 15 years, expressed his gratitude and readiness to move on:
“I’m blown away by the fans here. I have got so many fond memories, and it’s thanks to them and the boys I have played with. But god, I’m ready. I was out there thinking, ‘I can’t do this’. That first 10 minutes, I was thinking, ‘This is dark.’”
As Marler looked back on his illustrious career, his trademark humor shone through:
“It has been wonderful. The game has been so good to me considering I have been so bad to it. I have loved every minute of it. It’s been great. I guess it’s over now.”
Fans of Harlequins and England alike will undoubtedly cherish the countless moments of brilliance Marler brought to the game while wishing him all the best in retirement.
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Joe Marler Drops Bombshell: The Four Rugby Players He Just Can’t Stand
etiring England and Harlequinz prop Joe Marler has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions – especially when it comes to players or personalities he’s not particularly fond of.
Here’s the lowdown on the four rugby figures who’ve landed on Marler’s bad side.
#1. Sir Clive Woodward
Marler’s feud with England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has been brewing for years. Things heated up when Woodward tore into Eddie Jones’ side during a webinar, particularly slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference ahead of England’s loss to South Africa in November.
Unimpressed, Marler fired back after reading Woodward’s comments on RugbyPass. Taking to Twitter, he directly called out the coach, tweeting: “Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can ‘milk the cow’ for another three years.”
#2. Israel Folau
Joe Marler has never shied away from taking a stand, and his public clashes with Israel Folau are a testament to that. Folau, whose homophobic views caused uproar in the rugby world, became a frequent target of Marler’s defiant humour.
In a series of tweets aimed at Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing – a gesture that drew widespread praise from players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later gave Folau an ironic nod by naming him in his dream team. On choosing the former Wallabies fullback, he quipped: “On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs.”
#3. Marland Yarde
Marler’s relationship with Marland Yarde turned sour when the winger made an unusual mid-season switch from Harlequins to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in 2017.
Speaking about Yarde’s exit, Marler admitted: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months. I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. Let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it.”
He added: “He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
#4. Marcos Ayerza
One of Marler’s more heated rivalries unfolded in 2011, when Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza clashed with him during a fiery Premiership match. Both players saw red as referee Wayne Barnes stepped in after Ayerza headbutted Marler, who retaliated with a series of well-placed punches.
The incident remains one of the most explosive moments in Marler’s career, cementing Ayerza’s place on the England prop’s “not-so-favourite” list.
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
