Steve Borthwick confirms the appointment of Joe Marler to England backroom team

Saturday, 15 March 2025 at 12:25

bySteven Smith

Joe Marler might be done scrummaging for England, but don’t call it retirement just yet—he’s already got a crucial new gig with the national team.

The former prop has stepped in as Player Welfare Manager, making sure England’s stars stay in top shape, both physically and mentally.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Podcast Confessions: Joe’s New Chapter

Speaking on the

For The Love of Rugby podcast, the 34-year-old revealed the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of his new job. One key takeaway? He’s become the go-between for younger players and their sometimes-intimidating Directors of Rugby.

“They’d never speak to the DoRs without fearing they’d be judged as soft,” Marler explained. Now? He’s the guy having those tough conversations on their behalf.

Marler’s Mantra: "Who Better Than Me?"

On his approach to player welfare, Marler put it simply: “It’s about making sure the players are looked after so they can perform and have longevity in the game.”

And he’s already proving his worth.

Standing Up for Players: Feyi-Waboso, Isiekwe & More

Marler has been hands-on in one of England’s biggest recent dilemmas—the Immanuel Feyi-Waboso saga. With a decision over surgery threatening to derail the winger’s British & Irish Lions dream, Marler was in constant contact with him throughout.

“He’s a big boy, an intelligent boy. He’s more than capable of holding his own,” Marler told City AM. “The PGP [Professional Game Partnership playing agreement] is new and there’s going to be some teething issues. We’ve just got to feed back as much as possible.”

He’s also been involved in discussions about Nick Isiekwe’s game time with Saracens boss Mark McCall, proving he’s not afraid to challenge club coaches when necessary.

Could Marler Buy a Club? Not a Chance!

With so many athletes investing in teams, could Marler follow suit? Absolutely not.

“Oh my god,” he laughed. “I lose enough money as it is, let alone millions down into a club. No thank you!”

For now, his focus is clear—keeping England’s stars fit, fresh, and firing.

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Five England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick – one wants to quit for Six Nations rival

From a fullback who was once undroppable to a powerful winger who was compared to Jonah Lomu, here are five England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.

Freddie Steward – The rock-solid fullback cast aside

It wasn’t long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England’s World Cup campaign.

Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn’t even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.

Zach Mercer – From France’s best to England’s forgotten man

Zach Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.

A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he’ll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.

Joe Cokanasiga – Eight years later, still on the fringes

This summer marks EIGHT years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into an England squad. His blend of power and pace drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu, and at just 19, he looked set for a long international career.

Yet, despite earning 14 caps, he has never been able to cement a regular starting role. A surprise recall before the 2023 World Cup ended in disappointment, as he was cut after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales. Despite some strong performances for Bath this season, Borthwick remains unconvinced.

The England boss reportedly gave Cokanasiga areas to improve on, but with no recall in sight, his international future remains in doubt.

Ollie Hassell-Collins – Ignored by England, wanted by Wales

Hassell-Collins looked like a long-term England winger when Borthwick handed him his debut in 2023. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he has completely vanished from England’s plans.

Not only was he ignored for the current Six Nations squad, but he was also left out of the England A side that faced Portugal. Instead, Warren Gatland has taken notice, with the Wales boss openly discussing Hassell-Collins’ eligibility to switch allegiances.

The Leicester Tigers winger himself has admitted he could be tempted to play for Wales. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.”

Could England be about to lose him to their biggest Six Nations rival?

Tom Pearson – One cap and counting…

At 25, Pearson is still an exciting prospect, but he has only managed a single England cap to date. His physicality makes him a standout performer at club level, yet Borthwick clearly doesn’t see him as the answer to England’s back-row dilemma.

While other uncapped players have leapfrogged him into recent squads, Pearson remains on the outside looking in. With England’s back-row options constantly evolving, his wait for another chance could be a long one.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!

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