Joe Marler reveals the real reason behind his shock retirement
Today at 05:06 AM
Harlequins legend Joe Marler has opened up about the real reason he brought down the curtain on his rugby career in November 2024, admitting that both his body and mind could no longer cope with the demands of the game.
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Speaking candidly on The Stick to Rugby Podcast, the former England prop finally revealed what really happened behind the scenes—and why he chose to call time on his career months before fans expected.
“We got pumped”
Marler's last appearance came in a heavy defeat to Bristol Bears at The Stoop, a game that he admits left a lasting impression.
"Bristol Bears at home. We got pumped. I think it shocked a lot of people, because Quins fans might've thought,
'Well, at least he might finish at the end of the season.'
But I said no. I’m done. And that's it."
“My mind had gone”
While Marler has been open in the past about his mental health struggles, this time it was a combination of mental and physical fatigue that sealed his decision.
"I couldn't go on. I couldn't even do the next few months. My body was struggling, the speed of the game was getting too quick—and heavy—for me.
Also, my mind had gone."
For a player known for his sharp wit, uncompromising scrummaging, and eccentric personality, it was England—not Quins—that had always been the fire that kept him going.
"It wasn't that I wasn't trying or anything for Quins, but my biggest motivation was playing for England. Doing all I could to help that team.
And when I made that decision [to retire from England], it was inevitable that the feeling for Quins was going to go with it."
Marler's legacy
Joe Marler made 95 appearances for England and was part of the squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. For Harlequins, he was a cornerstone of the pack for well over a decade, helping them to two Premiership titles.
While many fans hoped he'd play until the end of the 2024/25 season, Marler's honesty about his decline will only deepen the respect he already commands in rugby circles.
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5 Big-Name Stars Set to Miss Out on the Lions Squad – Including Finn Russell!
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell's selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe.
While some players have all but booked their tickets to Australia, others are sweating bullets. Whether it's poor form, fierce competition, or a coach with long memories, a few major names could be on the chopping block.
Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…
1. Russell’s Rollercoaster Could Crash Early
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Moments of magic? Always. But consistency? Not so much. Russell's 2025 Six Nations was a mixed bag at best. A missed conversion against England and a disastrous showing versus France have left serious questions about his big-game temperament.
Add in the appointment of Johnny Sexton as Lions assistant coach, and things start looking bleak. In his autobiography, Sexton slammed Russell's 2021 selection as a media-driven hype job—and he hasn't softened since.
"If you want someone reliable in the trenches, you go with Owen Farrell," Sexton recently told The Times, taking a not-so-subtle dig at Russell's "flashy" style. He even spared Marcus Smith, calling him a "generational talent." Finn? Not so lucky.
2. Ringrose Running Out of Time
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Not long ago, Ringrose looked like a nailed-on Lion. But a rocky Six Nations campaign could have sunk his chances. He was solid in Ireland's first couple of games, then saw red against Wales and missed the crunch clash with France. His return against Italy? Ropey.
He's still a classy operator on his day, but with Farrell spoiled for choice in the midfield, Ringrose may find himself edged out by younger, more in-form options.
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