Joe Marler has sent a message to former England teammates Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler ahead of Harlequins clash with Bristol Bears for Big Game 14.
Still the biggest annual club rugby match in the world, Quins will once again be heading to Twickenham Stadium for their biggest festive event yet on Bank Holiday Tuesday 27 December.
For the first time at a Big Game, Harlequins will be taking on Bristol Bears in a double header with the men and the women’s teams both set to take to the field.
Both teams play an exciting style of rugby and judging by recent matches we’ve no doubt this will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Joe Marler directs Harlequins Big Game 14 promo but the teddy bears’ picnic takes a dramatic turn!
Timings for the day (all timings subject to change);
• 12:00 (approx.) Twickenham Stadium open with free funfair rides, food and beverage open all day in the West Fan Village
• 13:30 Harlequins Women vs Bristol Bears Women, Allianz Premier 15s
• 15:45 Faithless DJ Set live in the stadium
• 16:15 Harlequins vs Bristol Bears, Gallagher Premiership
• Post match The Stoop will be open for supporters in the Chris Robshaw Bar
Joe Marler facts:
- Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
- After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
- He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
- Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
- He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce
“Complete k**b” – Joe Marler reveals the three rugby stars he can’t stand
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Israel Folau
Over 1,000 days since Folau last played a professional match of rugby union, Marler’s old Twitter sparring partner made his return to the sport over the weekend.
The loose-head prop takes any chance he can to call out the former Wallabies fullback, who could soon represent Tonga, for his homophobic views.
“I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. And let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it
“He’d made the decision that he wanted to leave…you know, all the best to him. I wish him all the best. I don’t wish nastiness upon anyone.
“He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
In a series of tweets sent directly to Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing, in a display of defiant humour which was praised by fellow players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later named Folau in his dream team in a tongue-in-cheek fashion.
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, “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.”