Joe Marler, former England prop, announces rugby retirement

Joe Marler, a former prop for both England and Harlequins, has declared his retirement from professional rugby at 34 years old. He accumulated 95 appearances for England, securing three Six Nations titles during his career. Over a 12-year span with the national squad, Marler achieved 95 international caps and was part of three Six Nations Championship-winning teams. His entire club career was spent with Harlequins, where he made 204 appearances in their distinctive kit, contributing to two Premiership titles and a European Challenge Cup victory. The final professional match of his career is scheduled to be Harlequins’ Premiership encounter with Bristol Bears, taking place at The Stoop this Friday. In a statement, Marler communicated: “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game. On Friday night I’ll play my last-ever match for Quins. After all these happy years, it’s over.” He added: “I feel lucky to have pulled on the jersey worn by so many idols of mine, and so many better players. “That’s an incredible thing to me. I got to stand alongside so many great players and people that have made this club so special.” Marler’s international debut occurred in 2012 during England’s tour of South Africa, in a match against the Springboks. In 2015, he was a member of the England squad that did not progress beyond the pool stage of a World Cup hosted at home. However, in the subsequent year, England achieved a Grand Slam at the Six Nations by winning all five matches, with Marler participating in each game. England successfully defended their title in 2017, narrowly missing a second consecutive Grand Slam due to a final-day loss to Ireland, and secured another championship in 2020. Although he had declared his international retirement in 2018, Marler rejoined the England team for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, where they reached the final before a 32-12 defeat by South Africa in Yokohama. His final World Cup appearance occurred last year in Paris, during England’s 16-15 semi-final loss to the Springboks, preceding his renewed announcement of international retirement in November. Marler’s performance for both England and Harlequins led to his selection for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, as well as for the Barbarians in 2019 and 2022. Marler was a member of the England squad that was defeated by South Africa in the 2019 World Cup final held in Japan. Marler debuted for Harlequins in the 2009-10 season and was a key member of the team that secured the 2011-12 Premiership title, starting in both the 25-23 semi-final triumph against Northampton Saints and the 30-23 final win over Leicester Tigers at Twickenham. He featured in 18 matches during the club’s campaign for their second league title, commencing the memorable 40-38 final victory against Exeter Chiefs at the national stadium. The Harlequins veteran has played twice this season and is expected to participate in his final professional game against Bristol this Friday. He expressed gratitude to the club’s supporters, stating: “The most important thing I want to say to our fantastic supporters is thank you. Thank you for your patience and support, when you could easily have turned your back on me. For the kindness you’ve shown, even when I haven’t deserved it, and for cheering my name, even after I’d been banned again.” Marler’s retirement announcement coincides with a series of contract extensions recently declared by Harlequins during the autumn international break. In the last two weeks, vice-captain Cadan Murley, scrum-half Will Porter, winger Cassius Cleaves, full-back Tyrone Green, flanker Will Evans, and hooker Sam Riley have all pledged their continued commitment to the club. Marler (right) was a member of the Harlequins team that triumphed over Exeter Chiefs in the 2020-21 Premiership final at Twickenham. According to BBC Sport rugby union news reporter Mike Henson: Marler’s prominent public image frequently attracted media attention, affording him a broad appeal rarely seen among front-row players. Not all of his actions were viewed favorably; his on-field verbal exchanges sometimes exceeded acceptable boundaries, leading to multiple apologies. His recent reversal on New Zealand’s haka, which he had previously described as “ridiculous” earlier this month, represented his latest awkward public change of stance. Conversely, his candor regarding his mental health challenges and the difficulties of balancing family life with the demands of an international Test career was seen as refreshing, helping to dismantle stigmas and encourage others to discuss similar concerns. In terms of his playing ability, he has been recognized as England’s most proficient scrummaging loosehead for ten years, with former coach Eddie Jones acknowledging regret over prioritizing Mako Vunipola’s versatile skills over Marler’s set-piece expertise for the start of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final loss to a formidable South Africa. Within his club, he served as a Harlequins stalwart, connecting different periods through his involvement in both the 2012 and 2021 Premiership title victories. By mentoring Harlequins teammate Fin Baxter, he also contributed significantly to the succession strategy for both his club and the national team.