Joe Marler, the England prop, has carved out a reputation for himself not only for his prowess on the rugby field but also for his frequent encounters with disciplinary actions.
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His career has been punctuated by suspensions, with nearly half a year spent off the pitch due to various infractions.
In 2016, Marler found himself embroiled in the infamous "gypsy boy" incident during a Six Nations match against Wales at Twickenham. His derogatory remark aimed at Wales' Samson Lee resulted in a two-week ban and sparked widespread debate and condemnation.
Just a few months later, Marler faced another suspension after being cited for kicking Grenoble hooker Arnaud Héguy during a European Challenge Cup semi-final while playing for Harlequins. This incident further tarnished his disciplinary record and raised questions about his on-field behavior.
The following year, Marler's disciplinary woes continued as he was banned for three weeks for elbowing Wasps and Welsh lock Will Rowlands and later received a six-week suspension for a shoulder charge on Sale's TJ Ioane. These repeated offenses highlighted a pattern of behavior that drew criticism from both fans and pundits alike.
In 2020, Marler made headlines once again when he was banned for grabbing the genitals of Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones during a Six Nations match at Twickenham. The incident sparked outrage and led to further scrutiny of Marler's conduct on the pitch.
After a period of relative quiet, Marler found himself back in the spotlight in 2023 due to another controversial incident. During a Premiership game, he directed offensive remarks at Bristol prop Jake Heenan, referring to his opponent's sick mother in a derogatory manner. This latest transgression earned Marler a two-week ban, with an additional four weeks suspended, and drew sharp criticism from his own wife, who branded him a "moron."
In response to the incident, Marler publicly acknowledged his wrongdoing, admitting that he had "f----- it all up again" and describing himself as a "bit of a helmet."
Joe Marler includes Sir Clive Woodward and former teammate on his rugby sh**list
England prop Joe Marler is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two - especially when it's about someone he doesn't particularly like.
#1. Sir Clive Woodward
Woodward tore apart Eddie Jones' side during a webinar, slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference prior to the loss against South Africa back in November.
This wasn't the first time the 2003 World Cup-winning coach called out the prop for his less than professional behaviour.
After reading an article on the Rugby Pass website highlighting Woodward's comments, he tweeted him directly, saying: "Change the record Sir Clive - you should be grateful you can 'milk the cow' for another 3 years."
#2. Israel Folau
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."
#3. Marland Yarde
The winger dramatically left Harlequins in 2017 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in an unusual mid-season 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.”
#4. Marcos Ayerza
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.
#5. Gavin Henson
These two have history. Henson was ruled out for a number of weeks in 2016 after Marler clattered the Welsh Prince off the ball.
The England prop was returning to rugby after a troubled 2015-16 season, that prompted the loosehead to take a break from the game in the summer missing England's historic 3-0 whitewash of the Wallabies Down Under.
A story from Marler's book shows the ego of Henson in 2005 was off the scale. Being told to hurry up with his hair by his captain Gareth Thomas, the playmaker showed his skipper little respect.
Henson's reply to Thomas was: “Alf, your mother and father have come to watch you play today, but there are 72,000 out there who have come to watch me.”
QUIZ: Name every Six Nations player to be sent off since 2000
G'day rugby aficionados, Steve here, and we've got a ripper of a quiz lined up for you today.
We're delving into the nitty-gritty of Six Nations history, focusing on those moments when the ref brandished a red card and sent players marching off the pitch.
It's a real head-scratcher, mate! So, grab your favourite brew, cozy up in your lucky armchair, and let's see if you've got the goods to name every Six Nations player who's been given the old heave-ho since the turn of the century.
This one's a corker, so let's get stuck in and separate the true-blue rugby brains from the weekend warriors.
Cheers, and let the quizathon begin!
