"Captain" - Joe Marler plays a completely different sport after shock rugby retirement

The ex-England prop, known for winding up opponents and dishing out one-liners, has called time on his rugby career. But life post-retirement? It’s already  . Yes, , the tennis-meets-squash sport that’s taken the world (and now ex-props) by storm.

box office.

Marler earned 95 caps for England over a 12-year international career, playing a key role in three Six Nations Championship wins. At club level, he was a one-club man, a Harlequins cult hero through and through. Across 204 appearances in the famous quarters, he lifted two Premiership titles and a European Challenge Cup — not bad for a man who once dyed his beard for a laugh.

Despite admitting he’s “constantly s****ing himself” about the future, Marler has launched headfirst into a brand new chapter – and it’s anything but quiet.

First up, the big screen: Marler is set to appear on the BBC’s upcoming Celebrity Traitors, joining a star-studded cast featuring Stephen Fry, Clare Balding, Charlotte Church, Alan Carr, and Olympic icon Tom Daley.

"I'm heading off to Scotland for a few weeks," he joked. "Let’s call it a work trip – though they'll probably think I'm just there to fix the microphones!"

A long-time fan of the hit show, Marler is buzzing to meet actual national treasure Stephen Fry, but admits the backstabbing game show is a “whole different ball game” compared to rugby’s dark arts.

But that’s not all. Marler has also found love… with padel

He first picked up a racket during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France – and he hasn’t looked back. Fast-forward to 2025, and he’s now a Nox Padel ambassador, a captain on the Cupra Pro Am Padel Tour, and has even faced off against comedian Jason Manford in competition.

“I posted about it online and suddenly Nox were like, ‘Fancy being our ambassador?’” Marler laughed. “I told them, ‘You do know I’m crap, right?’ Next thing I’m in Barcelona getting my backside handed to me by 16-year-olds.”

For Marler, it’s not just about sport – it’s about purpose. “It gives me that bit of competition I lost with rugby,” he said. “And people are already asking me, ‘Ever thought about doing this properly?’”

From the front row to the front of the camera, Marler's second act is shaping up to be as unpredictable – and entertaining – as his first.

1. Dan Sheehan in for Luke Cowan-Dickie
Cowan-Dickie brought energy but faltered at the lineout. Sheehan’s throwing is sharper, and he adds mobility and form from Leinster.

2. Will Stuart in for Finlay Bealham
Bealham was solid, but Stuart offers more raw power and set-piece dominance — key against the Force pack.

3. Ollie Chessum in for Tadhg Beirne
Beirne impressed with his running lines, but Chessum brings more physicality and aerial prowess — crucial for disrupting the Force’s lineout.

4. Josh van der Flier in for Tom Curry
Despite Curry's work-rate, Van der Flier’s breakdown work and consistency make him a better fit as Farrell looks to steady the back row.

5. Jack Conan in for Ben Earl
Earl was one of the better performers, but Conan’s control at No.8 and ability to carry in tight channels earns him the nod.

6. Jamison Gibson-Park in for Alex Mitchell
Mitchell looked rushed and ineffective after halftime. Gibson-Park’s speed and composure offer a much-needed upgrade at scrum-half.

7. Finn Russell in for Fin Smith
Fin Smith struggled to impose himself. Enter Russell — the magician Farrell needs to inject some vision, control, and attacking flair.

8. Huw Jones in for Bundee Aki
Aki’s power was evident but faded. Jones brings better distribution and defensive organisation at outside centre, linking nicely with Tuipulotu.

9. James Lowe in for Duhan van der Merwe
Van der Merwe had a patchy outing, and Lowe’s left boot and creativity could unlock the Force’s defence from deep.

10. Hugo Keenan in for Marcus Smith
Smith’s shaky positioning and lack of control under the high ball cost the Lions. Keenan is calm, composed and positionally solid — exactly what the back three needs.

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