,” he joked. “I need it a little bit longer.”
Joe Marler was never one to do things quietly, and retirement has been no different.
The former England and Harlequins prop has swapped the front row for the spotlight and, judging by his rapidly growing bank balance, the move into media has been a very smart one.
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and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.According to reports, Marler ranked as the fourth wealthiest contestant on this year’s Celebrity Traitors, behind only Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry. His estimated net worth now sits at around £3.7 million, built through his rugby career, sponsorships with brands such as Under Armour and property investments in Surrey.
And that figure is only going one way.
From scrums to screens
Since retiring, Marler has become a familiar face on British TV, starring on Celebrity Traitors, The Wheel, Celebrity Gogglebox and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He has also launched his own podcast, Joet Marler Will See You Now, which leans into the candid, chaotic humour that made him such a fan favourite during his playing days.
But the shift hasn’t been easy.
“Things have been so mental the last couple of months that I’ve not really been here,” he admitted. “I’ve actually been away more than I ever was with rugby.”
Life after rugby
Marler revealed retirement initially left him struggling for direction.
“After I retired last year there was a three or four month honeymoon period… Then it dawned on me: ‘Hang on a minute, what do I do now? Who am I? What’s my purpose?’”
That uncertainty vanished once The Traitors aired.
“Things just exploded. ‘Do you want to come on this? Do you want to do Gogglebox?’… In eight weeks I think I had three days off.”
Despite the chaos, Marler is embracing his new identity.
“I’m not the rugby player, I’m the big fat hairy guy that was on The Traitors
With TV work booming, a successful podcast and a growing profile beyond rugby, Joe Marler’s second career may yet eclipse his first.
Only one rugby player in history has a bigger net worth than Dan Carter
6️⃣ Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £12–14 million
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.
Key Points:
- Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)
- Long All Blacks career with record appearances
- Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)
- Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures
5️⃣ Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Estimated Net Worth: £13–15 million
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.
Key Points:
- Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain
- Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)
- Brand ambassador for multiple companies
- Post-retirement business roles
4️⃣ Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £15–17 million
Bio: A dual-code rugby superstar, Williams excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. He also pursued professional boxing, leveraging his sporting success into global endorsements.
Key Points:
- Dual-code rugby international
- Professional boxing career
- Multiple domestic and international rugby titles
- Endorsements with global brands
3️⃣ Mike Tindall (England)
Estimated Net Worth: £16–18 million
Bio: Former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. Tindall has become a media personality and entrepreneur after retirement.
Key Points:
- 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England
- Television appearances and reality TV
- Brand endorsements and ambassador roles
- Family business ventures with Zara Phillips
2️⃣ Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £17–19 million
Bio: One of the greatest fly-halves ever, Carter starred for the All Blacks and in club rugby in France and Japan. Known for his precision kicking and playmaking.
Key Points:
- All Blacks legend and World Cup winner
- Record-breaking club contracts in France and Japan
- Endorsements and ambassadorial roles
- Post-retirement rugby-related ventures
1️⃣ Jonny Wilkinson (England) ?
Estimated Net Worth: £18–22 million
Bio: Legendary England fly-half, famous for the drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson has leveraged his fame for lucrative contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities.
Key Points:
- 2003 Rugby World Cup hero
- Long-term commercial partnerships and endorsements
- Media, wellness, and business ventures
- Global recognition as one of rugby’s greatest