"Farrell's worst nightmare" - Joe Marler handed key British & Irish Lions role

byRugby Rucker

The England centurion might be retired, but his next role could be just as important—especially with the Lions looming.

Joe Marler has stepped into one of the most critical roles in English rugby ahead of this summers British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, taking charge of player welfare for England’s internationals during one of the most physically demanding eras the sport has ever seen.

Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia

After hanging up his boots for both club and country this season—ending his England career on 95 caps and playing his final game for Harlequins in November—Marler hasn’t walked away from the game entirely. Instead, he’s now fronting the movement to protect his former teammates from burnout.

And make no mistake: his role will be vital in ensuring that England’s Lions contenders make it through the season fit, firing, and healthy.

? “The boys needed to be looked after for a long period of time”

Speaking on For The Love of Rugby, Marler didn’t hold back in detailing how English players had previously been neglected—and why he’s stepped up.

“The boys needed to be looked after for a long period of time,” he said.

“We weren’t looked after with our previous representation. So we went, right, we’re setting this Team England Rugby up. We’re moving away from the previous representation. And we are going to take control of it.”

? “Can we stop them playing pre-season games?”

Marler’s new job involves coordinating rest periods, managing match loads, and ensuring Premiership clubs aren’t overusing their England stars—especially those who’ll be in Lions contention next summer.

“We predicted that there would have to be so many exemptions from the start, especially for the top players who are playing for England and are consistently getting into the playoff positions with their clubs, whether it’s in Europe or the Prem,” he explained.

“They’re definitely going to go over the limit.

Can we stop them playing pre-season games? Give them a longer rest? Stop them being involved in the first two or three [Premiership games]?”

It’s clear Marler isn’t just ticking boxes—he’s actively intervening.

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Transfer Round-Up: Finn Russell latest, Lions centre on the move

Here’s everything you need to know...

Faletau could be on his way back to the Gallagher Premiership

RUCK understands that Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam is very keen on bringing Taulupe Faletau to Ashton Gate next season, with a lucrative one-year offer reportedly on the table. FULL STORY

New club for Libbok

Rugby365 report that Manie Libbok appears set to sign with the Hanazono Liners, the Osaka-based outfit currently placed third in Division Two of Japan Rugby League One. FULL STORY

Race to sign Russell heating up

Bath fly-half Finn Russell is set to be one of the most sought-after names in world rugby next summer, with clubs from England, France, and Japan already jostling for position to secure his services. FULL STORY

Scarlets confirms leavers

Scarlets have confirmed a number of player departures ahead of their final home match of the 2024-25 season. Supporters will have the opportunity to say farewell following Saturday’s United Rugby Championship game against Leinster at Parc y Scarlets.

Wales international wing Steff Evans, who has scored 74 tries in 190 appearances across 11 seasons, headlines the list of players leaving. He is joined by Shaun Evans, Ioan Lloyd, Alex Craig, Charlie Titcombe, Efan Jones and Ed Scragg. Head coach Dwayne Peel thanked the departing players for their commitment, with further announcements on squad retention for the 2025-26 season expected in the coming weeks.

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Perpignan join race for Scotland star Chris Harris as Gloucester exit looms

Top 14 side Perpignan are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring for Scotland and Gloucester centre Chris Harris, with the experienced midfield enforcer set to become a free agent when his contract expires this summer. Premiership surprise package Gloucester face a battle to keep hold of the 33-year-old as French clubs circle. FULL STORY

5 Big-Name Stars Set to Miss Out on the Lions Squad – Including Finn Russell!

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell’s selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe.

While some players have all but booked their tickets to Australia, others are sweating bullets. Whether it’s poor form, fierce competition, or a coach with long memories, a few major names could be on the chopping block.

Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…

1. Russell's Rollercoaster Could Crash Early

Finn Russell (Scotland)

Moments of magic? Always. But consistency? Not so much. Russell’s 2025 Six Nations was a mixed bag at best. A missed conversion against England and a disastrous showing versus France have left serious questions about his big-game temperament.

Add in the appointment of Johnny Sexton as Lions assistant coach, and things start looking bleak. In his autobiography, Sexton slammed Russell’s 2021 selection as a media-driven hype job—and he hasn’t softened since.

“If you want someone reliable in the trenches, you go with Owen Farrell,” Sexton recently told The Times, taking a not-so-subtle dig at Russell’s “flashy” style. He even spared Marcus Smith, calling him a “generational talent.” Finn? Not so lucky.

2. Ringrose Running Out of Time

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

Not long ago, Ringrose looked like a nailed-on Lion. But a rocky Six Nations campaign could have sunk his chances. He was solid in Ireland’s first couple of games, then saw red against Wales and missed the crunch clash with France. His return against Italy? Ropey.

He’s still a classy operator on his day, but with Farrell spoiled for choice in the midfield, Ringrose may find himself edged out by younger, more in-form options.

3. Slade Slide May Prove Terminal

Henry Slade (England)

Once considered one of England’s most gifted backs, Slade’s stock has taken a major hit. His partnership with Ollie Lawrence was under heavy scrutiny heading into the Six Nations—and despite some signs of improvement, it didn’t last.

Fraser Dingwall took his place in the England squad, and now Slade’s international future—and Lions hopes—look grim. Having already missed out on the 2023 World Cup, the Exeter man may once again fall victim to poor form at the worst possible time.

4. Ritchie Rich... But Is It Enough?

Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

He was one of Scotland’s top performers in the Six Nations—but that might not be enough. The Lions back-row battle is absolutely brutal this year, and with Jack Willis tearing it up in France, Farrell might favour more dominant ball-carriers and jackalers.

Ritchie has leadership and work rate in spades, but he could become the unlucky victim of ridiculous depth in one of the tour’s most hotly contested positions.

5. O'Mahony's Last Dance Could Be In The Studio

Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)

The veteran flanker rolled back the years against Scotland, delivering one of the performances of the tournament—but that flash of vintage POM might have been his swan song. His form faded fast, and a tough showing against France left fans wondering if the tank’s finally empty.

He’s since hung up his boots for Ireland, and unless Farrell is picking on nostalgia, O'Mahony is more likely to be analysing Lions games for Sky Sports than playing in them.