Harlequins Joe Marler's future is once again being speculated upon after the forward revealed he'll be out of contract next summer.
Having been linked to Leicester Tigers last January, the England prop confirmed that his current deal runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.
Quins are thought to be keen to keep Marler, obviously, but will face fierce competition to hold onto arguably the most recognisable player in the world.
The prop won his 200th cap for Harlequins in January 2020 and the following season was named Man of the Match in the Premiership Final.
Bath, who seem to be signing everyone with Finn Russell their latest addition, have been mentioned while reports in France have linked French heavyweights Montpellier, Racing 92 and Toulon with a potential move.
Discussing his long-term future, Marler isn't sure whether he'll stay in the game once he hangs up his boots.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: "I can see myself doing more coaching and admin in the drag world than I could in rugby. And a lot of that comes down to the fact I don't think there's a lot of people in the rugby admin hierarchy who want me anywhere near it.
"Jesus Christ, can you imagine me and [Sir] Bill Beaumont sat in a room together trying to sort stuff out? I'm not even allowed to smile at a press conference...because that makes you lose World Cup finals! Ridiculous, I wouldn't last five seconds."
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
“No more infighting” – Three players Joe Marler never liked
Below, we look at three players that the prop never warmed too with Marler in most cases proving to be a good judge of character.
#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.
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."
#2. Marland Yarde
The winger dramatically left Harlequins in 2017 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in an unusual mid-season move.
Marler said: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months,
“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.”
#3. Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward tore apart Eddie Jones' side during a webinar, slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference prior to the loss against South Africa back in November. This wasn't the first time the 2003 World Cup-winning coach called out the prop.
After reading an article on the Rugby Pass website highlighting Woodward's comments, he tweeted him directly, saying: "Change the record Sir Clive - you should be grateful you can 'milk the cow' for another 3 years."
