Eddie Jones responds to Joe Marler retirement reports

Wednesday, 27 January 2021 at 13:37

bySteven Smith

Eddie Jones has told Joe Marler he will still be considered for future England selection despite withdrawing from the 2021 Six Nations squad.

There had been reports that this latest move would see the loosehead-prop retire from international rugby for a second time.

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Jones: Marler's England career not over 🏉 Eddie Jones insists Joe Marler will still be considered for selection despite withdrawing from England's 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Six Nations 🏆 squad for family reasons 👇

12:20 PM · Jan 27, 2021

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However, Jones insist Marler could still add to this 66 caps.

"Joe has made a decision that we 100 per cent support," Jones told reporters on Wednesday during the virtual launch of the 2021 Six Nations.

"When he decides to make himself available again, we will have a look at selection. And that's how we look at it -- 100 percent. No ifs or buts, it's as clear as a day.

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"There will be some time in the future when he's ready to come back and will get selected. We'll take that when it comes."

Former Australia and Japan coach Jones added of the 72-times capped Marler: "Joe has been an outstanding player during my time with England, and I'm sure he was outstanding before that.

"He is tough, abrasive, a good defender, a great guy off the field. He's a bit nutty, but we like that, it's good to have characters like that in the squad."

Three Irishmen feature In Joe Marler’s ‘Cheeky’ Dream XV

FRONT-ROW

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)

SECOND-ROW

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

BACK-ROW

6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)

HALFBACKS

9. Will Genia (Australia)
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)

CENTRES:

12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

BACK-THREE:

11. Siteveni Sivivatu (New Zealand)

14. Josua Tuisova (Fiji)
15. Israel Folau (Australia)

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."