England prop Joe Marler has confirmed he will be available for Steve Borthwick this summer, however, at the same time confirmed his retirement date from all rugby.
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The loosehead-prop, who played a key role for Steve Borthwick’s men during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and 2024 Six Nations, has 92 caps for his country since making his debut in 2012.
By the time he made 42nd international appearance against France in March 2016 he had missed only four matches since his debut on the way to becoming a Grand Slam winner.
He withdrew from the subsequent summer tour of Australia and took a break from the game before leading out England for his 50th cap in their stunning victory over Scotland in March 2017.
Three months later, Joe was part of the British & Irish Lions squad for their tour of New Zealand and was a regular for the Lions in their midweek games.
He announced his international retirement in September 2018 to spend more time with his family, but reversed his decision to go to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has played on ever since.
Speaking to The Times, he revealed today that the end is nigh: “I’m available for England but I’ll quit rugby in 2025,”
Ben Youngs recently quipped to Marler: “When are you letting everyone know that you’re not doing it anymore?”
“I said ‘I can’t, as I’ve done it eight times and no one will believe me! It’s the boy who cried wolf — you do it, it’ll be fine.’ ”
Joe Marler didn’t speak to teammate for 18 months, they just didn’t get on
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.
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.”