‘I answered it’ – Furious Joe Marler had face like thunder in tense exchange with reporter
Yesterday at 02:40 PM
A reporter learned the hard way not to anger Joe Marler during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The former England prop was involved in a tense exchange during a press conference before the quarter-final against Fiji.
Marler spoke to the media alongside team-mate Dan Cole ahead of the match in Marseille.
The opening question of the press conference resulted in a back-and-forth between Marler and one reporter.
Footage of the incident showed the ex-Harlequins star maintaining a steely expression as he stared down the media member.
The reporter had opened by asking Marler: “Is everyone just happy to be in the knockout matches? Steve (Borthwick) was talking about the intensity coming up because it's, you know, do or die type stuff this weekend.”
Marler appeared confused before he responded: “Are we happy to be in the quarter-finals, is that the question?”
Clarifying their question, the reporter said: “No, are you happy for something tangible to happen this week rather than just kind of going through the motions?
“It's a massive game, isn't it? You lose it, you go home.”
The former British & Irish Lion then probed: “When did we last go through the motions?”
This saw the reporter add: “Well the last match (18-17 win against Samoa), didn't need to win it to qualify.”
A now agitated Marler hit back: “Oh and you think we went through the motions in that game?” to which the reporter replied: “No.”
Marler continued: “That’s what you just said.”
The reporter went on to ask about England’s previous meeting with Fiji earlier in 2023 and how they had grown since their 30-22 loss at Twickenham.
This was met with a sarcastic response from Marler, who said: “This game's, you know, more tangible than that one in the summer.”
His remark was met with laughter from Cole as the front row looked across to his team-mate.
The reporter then stated: “I think you understand the point of the question,” to which Marler bluntly replied: “Yeah and I’ve answered it.”
Tensions were then raised as the journalist quipped: “Okay, not suitably but fine.”
Marler hit back by adding: “Well that’s subjective isn’t it,” as the reporter admitted: “Yeah that’s my opinion.”
Their exchange then ended as the England star firmly replied: “Good.”
Steve Borthwick’s side went on to beat Fiji 30-24 to reach the semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners South Africa.
Marler played in both matches but was not involved as England claimed third place against Argentina in the bronze medal match.
It had been his third Rugby World Cup after previously appearing at both the 2015 and 2019 editions.
The 34-year-old retired in November after making 95 appearances for England during his 12-year international career.
