England international Joe Marler is reportedly set to delay his international retirement, after receiving an arm around the shoulder from his England coaches.
The prop was reportedly set to quit England for the second time in two years after being given a 10-week ban for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’ testicles during the Six Nations clash with Wales.
#Harlequins Joe may still wear the rose https://t.co/TpKgBuRIcS
— Friends Of The stoop (@QuinsFOTS) May 7, 2020
Nevertheless, head coach Eddie Jones along with his newly recruited scrum coach Matt Proudfoot have, according to several outlets, convinced Marler that he still has a role to play at the 2023 World Cup in France.
“I am trying to mentor them through the challenges they have,” said Proudfoot.
“I try to have a series of in-depth conversations with each player through the day and just really talk to them, find out what they are struggling with. How can I give them a different perspective?”
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Proudfoot did, however, warn that Marler’s form must be up to scratch if he is to add to his 71 caps, which makes the forward the highest cap England player not to score a try.
“First, Joe has to be selected for the English side – we will need to see how players come out of this process and who is on form. But Joe is somebody I rate very, very highly.
“He’s an incredible rugby player. The question will be answered in the future about how well he is playing and what form he is in, as it will for everyone else.”
LIST | 20 times Joe Marler didn’t give a RUCK
He really doesn’t care.
1. Nowhere else to start
Taking life, or a Welshman, by the balls…
Joe Marler on Alun Wyn Jones… pic.twitter.com/YHxoKCkNOf
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) March 7, 2020
2. When he taught us his favourite word
Stuart Barnes is a complete helmet……..
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) November 12, 2015
3. Destroying GEORGE NORTH
4. Burning twitter critic
In a reply to the appearance of Joe Marler on a BBC 5 Live show, a Tweeter observed that he thought the prop was a “absolute try hard weapon……….him not you obviously”.
Problem was that Marler was tagged in the Tweet and duly decided to reply.
“Very true mate. I try very hard……. to have regular vaginal intercourse with your mum, but she insists on having it in her arsehole every time! Mental.
5. Interrupting press conference
“Who are you talking to?” 😂@JoeMarler interrupts a very empty @EnglandRugby news conference. pic.twitter.com/C3QsWtJ9iy
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 13, 2019