Joe Marler: England, Harlequins announces international retirement - 'This is the real one this time'
Published 03/11/2024 at 11:06 GMT
Joe Marler has announced that he has retired from international rugby, after the England prop left the national team's camp last Sunday. The 34-year-old had previously suggested that he would retire from club rugby in 2025 following the completion of the Gallagher Premiership season. Marler recently apologised for suggesting the All Blacks' haka should be "binned".
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Harlequins prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby after winning 95 caps for England.
The 34-year-old recently caused controversy with comments about the All Blacks’ haka, for which he later apologised.
He left England’s Autumn Nations Series camp for “personal reasons” and was not part of the team that lost 24-22 to New Zealand on Saturday in Twickenham.
Marler had originally been picked by Steve Borthwick for the highly-anticipated series, with next weekend’s match against Australia live on TNT Sports.
He had already told The Times that he intended to retire from club rugby at the end of the current season, and previously announced his international retirement in 2018, only to change his mind.
Marler, who was also part of the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, finishes as England's ninth-most capped player in men’s Rugby Union.
He made his debut for the national team in 2012, and won the Six Nations in 2016, 2017 and 2020. He also played in three World Cups, including England's 2019 defeat in the final against South Africa.
Referencing his previous retirement in his statement, Marler said: “I know have done this loads of times before, so I should have this waxed lyrically, but this is the real one this time, so it's a bit weird. It's time for me to move on. It's time for me to finally hang up my England rugby boots.
“I feel very sad but very proud to have been given the chance and the opportunities over the years to represent England, and I've got so many fond memories of wearing the white shirt.
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"I've been really, really lucky to experience both the mega highs and the mega lows in an England shirt. I will cherish all of them because they all count.
“I just wanted to say thank you for your support over the years and I can't wait to sit back and be one of you guys, and enjoy where this England team goes moving forward, as a proper England rugby fan. Thank you for everything. Goodbye.”
Stream the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+
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