Bath RFC have made contact with Joe Marler’s agent over a potential deal for the England and Harlequins star, but they will have to stump up a huge salary to sign him.
It is claimed bottom of the table club want to sign the 72-cap forward – who is contracted at the Stoop until 2023 – amid rumours Ben Obano could be preparing to leave The Rec with Leicester Tigers and Saracens interested.
However, the black, blue and whites would reportedly have to pay over the odds to bring Marler to the club due to his reluctance to leave London.
The prop will ould reportedly want in the regions of £400,000 per season to make the switch.
While the coaching staff are thought to be open to his departure, the Quins hierarchy are said to be more reluctant to let go of one of their prize assets despite their public falling out.
Planet Rugby reported in January that England prop Marler ‘requested a transfer’ away from Harlequins.
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The loosehead fuelled rumours of a possible shock exit last April with his tweet directed at Harlequins head of recruitment Ed Spokes.
Following confirmation that club legend Mike Brown will be leaving the club for Newcastle Falcons, Marler tweeted using the hashtag ##ESIAB.
Brown responded: “Thank you mate. And yes I agree with your # he is and not only him.”
“Ban the f***ing caterpillar ruck” – Joe Marler’s ‘five-point plan’ to save rugby
Joe Marler was questioned on rugby governance, and has drawn up a manifesto with Rassie Erasmus lined up to be his right hand man when he takes power.
You can read Marler’s full brilliant manifesto by clicking here.
#1. KILL THE CATERPILLAR
Marler said: The first thing I would do is ban the f***ing caterpillar ruck,’ he says. ‘It kills me. The whole thing is an a***. I would go as far as saying I’d ban box kicks but I might start to sound like Clive Woodward.
‘I want to see referees sanction the scrum-half for not using it when they shout “Use it”. I also want to get rid of the rule where the defence get the ball back if they hold you up and create a maul in the tackle.’
