Joe Marler responds to reports he 'intentionally' got banned

Tuesday, 02 October 2018 at 19:25

bySteven Smith

Joe Marler has responded to the reports that he intentionally got banned in order to avoid Englan duty.

The 28-year-old announced his retirement from international rugby last week following his inclusion in England's training camp, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

The Rugby Pod

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A very honest and open @JoeMarler explains how his anxiety manifested itself in irrational behaviour that led to him getting banned #RugbyPod

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6:08 PM · Oct 2, 2018

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Marler had suggested on a rugby podcast that he would go "looking for outs" to avoid linking up with the England squad, but later insisted he had never "deliberately" sought a ban.

He told The Rugby Pod: "The anxiety I would get about having to leave and go away again would manifest itself in giving away more dull penalties and looking for outs, looking for a yellow card, looking for a red card, because if I could pick up a ban, that's an easy way out without actually pulling the trigger."

Marler has since clarified his comments on social media, stating he was reflecting on how his performances were affected by impending England call-ups.

Joe Marler

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I would like to clarify my comments on @TheRugbyPod this morning that have been taken out of context. I have never deliberately done anything on a rugby pitch – or off it – to get a ban..... 1/2

2:22 PM · Oct 2, 2018

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Joe Marler

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..... I was simply reflecting on my occasional irrational behaviour when England camps were looming and trying to understand my actions a little bit better. 2/2

2:22 PM · Oct 2, 2018

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