In a heartwarming moment that resonated with rugby fans everywhere, Joe Marler made headlines in 2022 when he donned a special sock while playing for the Barbarians.
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The sock bore the name of 14-year-old Ewan Laws, a devoted Harlequins supporter who had been named the club’s Supporter of the Year.
The tradition within the Barbarians squad allows players to wear mismatched socks, often as a nod to their roots or personal heroes. Marler, known for his offbeat personality and big heart, chose to honour Ewan, who he described as his “hero”.
Ewan, a quadriplegic living with cerebral palsy, has shown remarkable resilience and a deep love for the sport despite the challenges he faces.
Ewan, now 16, recently took to social media to share his thoughts about the upcoming school year. He expressed a mix of excitement and nerves about starting a new chapter, which includes a move to weekly boarding.
“Tomorrow I’m back at school! New staff, new timetable, new lessons, new finish time, and I also start my progression to weekly boarding. I am a bit nervous but I’m excited at the same time. When I move into a school bungalow it’s going to be dripping in Quins stuff and tech,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Marler, known for his candid and supportive nature, responded to Ewan’s post with a message that quickly went viral. His simple yet encouraging words, “You’ll smash it mate – just be you x,” encapsulated the admiration and connection between the rugby star and his young fan.
Marler’s career change:
Marler is now setting his sights on a life beyond rugby, having initiated this transition by launching his podcast, “The Joe Marler Show.”
The show doesn’t centre around rugby and allows Joe to explore his other interests.
His future plans also do not involve coaching, as he aspires to embark on a media career detached from the realm of sports.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”