Joe Marler triggers Scotland fans with Calcutta Cup comments
Yesterday at 04:39 AM
Joe Marler has cranked up the mind games ahead of England's clash with Scotland, accusing the Scots of treating the Calcutta Cup like a World Cup final.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The outspoken Harlequins prop, never one to shy away from controversy, insists Scotland's obsession with beating England runs deep—even joking that it dates back to Edward I's brutal treatment of the country in the 13th century.
"They've hated the English forever"
Writing in the Daily Mail, Marler, 34, didn't hold back on Scotland's approach to the fixture.
"They turn up for the Calcutta Cup like it’s a World Cup final because they’ve hated the English forever, even though this generation of England players had nothing to do with Edward Longshanks pillaging their country in the 13th century," he quipped.
And he wasn't done there.
"They shout ‘Send him home again’ with real venom during their anthem, although I’d like to know how much (South Africa-born) Duhan van der Merwe has really bought into the history of Anglo-Scottish wars."
Marler's brutal halftime message to the Gray brothers
Marler also reflected on England's 61-21 demolition of Scotland in 2017, their biggest win in the fixture since 1997.
At halftime, with England already running riot, he decided to stir the pot with Scotland's towering second-row duo, Jonny and Richie Gray.
"On the walk into the changing rooms, I made a point of barging between the massive Gray brothers," Marler recalled.
"’Oi, lads, any chance of you lot turning up?’ I said. ‘It’s not a training run.’"
There was a brief moment of self-doubt.
"I sat down with my half-time Lucozade and questioned myself for a moment. ‘Oh no, have I just poked the bear?’"
But England didn't just win—they annihilated Scotland.
"We pumped them, right from the off, and it felt fantastic. It was our biggest win over the wee Jimmies, and I'd have laughed you out of the room if you told me we'd only win one of the next seven against them."
Marler's words are sure to add fuel to an already fiery contest at Twickenham. Can England reclaim the bragging rights?
Editors picks:
- England legend Chris Ashton previews the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland
- Gabby Logan's son will start against England this weekend in the Six Nations
- Makers and Breakers: England team to play Scotland in 2025 Six Nations
- British & Irish Lions to play France in first match of its kind
You'll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe's premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game's greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You'll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let's kick off!
The post Joe Marler triggers Scotland fans with Calcutta Cup comments appeared first on Ruck.
