Joe Marler Calls Out Sir Clive Woodward as a 'Dinosaur' Over His Controversial Comments

After Woodward took some personal credit for England’s Six Nations victory over Ireland, Harlequins prop Marler responded with a pretty blunt label: "dinosaur."

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England’s 23-22 win during the 2024 Six Nations was unforgettable – ending Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams in front of a packed Twickenham. Marcus Smith’s dramatic drop-goal sealed the deal in the dying seconds, but apparently, Woodward thought his pre-match column was the game-changer.

In his column for the Mail Online, Woodward wrote, “I honestly believe that Borthwick's players had read my pre-match column because they were so quickly out of the blocks.” He suggested that his advice on playing with “breakneck speed” had inspired England’s approach.

Taking to X, Marler quote-tweeted Woodward’s words with a dinosaur and sleeping face emoji, making his stance pretty clear.

While Woodward led England to glory in 2003, his comments haven’t exactly impressed the current squad. With a history of back-and-forth digs, Marler’s latest reaction is a reminder that not everyone’s buying Woodward’s influence on today’s England team.

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."

The winger dramatically left Harlequins in 2017 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in an unusual mid-season move.

Following the 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.”

Both players were red carded by referee Wayne Barnes, who saw the incident unfold right in front of him, with Leicester prop Marcos Ayerza head butting Marler, who then retaliated with a few seemingly well placed punches in 2011.

Marler wrote: "Nicknamed Smug Pig, not only did he act like he was all superior, he had a reputation for really, really enjoying his food."