Joe Marler closes in on unwanted international record, he's actually proud of it
10/12/2024 05:42 AM
For most rugby players, scoring a try is almost inevitable over the course of a long career.
Whether it’s a powerful drive from short range, a crash ball near the line, or simply being in the right place at the right time, a try doesn't always have to be spectacular or come from 50 metres out.
However, for Harlequins prop Joe Marler, a five-pointer remains elusive. Despite earning 95 caps for England, Marler has yet to cross the try line. An England record.
Now, the 33-year-old is just 13 appearances shy of matching New Zealand legend Owen Franks’ record of 108 international caps without a try. Marler, named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, seems unfazed by the statistic.
"Some people might call me crazy, but I'm proud of it," Marler said. "Props aren't supposed to score tries anyway."
England will face Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa at the newly renamed Allianz Stadium (formerly Twickenham) during the Autumn series, where Marler could inch closer to the unusual milestone.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Or join our daily Newsletter here!
Sixteen England players expected to feature in Andy Farrell's 2025 British & Irish Lions squad
According to the latest odds, bookmakers have highlighted a compelling selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, combining established talent with rising stars.
Scrum-half selections are led by Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), with Alex Mitchell and Ben White battling for spots. In the pack, stalwarts like Maro Itoje (1/33) and Tadhg Furlong (1/8) headline, as rising players such as Ben Earl (1/5) and Caelan Doris (1/5) look set to play key roles. The odds reveal a blend of experience and fresh talent for the upcoming tour.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36), according to the odds
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 4/9
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 8/11
- George Furbank (England) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Owen Farrell (England) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post Joe Marler closes in on unwanted international record, he’s actually proud of it appeared first on Ruck.
