Joe Marler will depart Harlequins for left field career change following rugby retirement
11/04/2024 05:38 PM
Joe Marler, the iconic England prop, has announced his retirement from international rugby after earning 95 caps over a remarkable 12-year career.
While Marler plans to hang up his boots completely in 2025 — ending his journey with Harlequins — he has decided to first step back from the international stage.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Marler's England debut came during the summer tour of South Africa in 2012, and he quickly became a fixture on the team. His career highlights include being part of England’s Six Nations-winning squads in 2016, 2017, and 2020. Marler also played in three Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 campaign where England reached the final before losing to South Africa.
Reflecting on the Highs and Lows
Reflecting on his career, Marler, 34, expressed gratitude for the journey: "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."
Lions and Barbarians Appearances
In 2017, Marler was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for their tour of New Zealand, although he didn't feature in any Test matches. He also made an appearance for the Barbarians in 2019, a fitting nod to his career's wide-ranging impact.
Previous Retirement and Return
Marler previously retired from international rugby in 2018, only to return in time for the 2019 World Cup. Named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the current autumn internationals, he recently withdrew for personal reasons, solidifying his decision to retire from international play.
Podcasting and Future Ambitions
Marler has already begun exploring life beyond rugby, notably through his podcast, “Joe Marler's Things People Do” (previously “The Joe Marler Show”). The show, which isn't rugby-centric, allows Marler to engage with a diverse range of people and topics.
No Coaching in Sight
For those wondering if Marler will take up coaching, the answer is no. His future plans involve pursuing a media career, one that's not directly tied to sports. Marler's focus now is on building a new career in broadcasting, where fans can expect to see more of his trademark humor and insight.
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Johnny Sexton's Long List of Enemy's: From All Black Antics to Ex-England Stars
Ireland's former legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton is known for his competitive fire both on and off the field. Over the years, this intensity has led to several high-profile rivalries, disagreements, and run-ins with other players, coaches, and referees.
Here's a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.
Rieko Ioane
Sexton's rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland's quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.
The interaction didn't sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane's behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks’ "no d***heads" policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide
“After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says ‘don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].’ So much for the All Blacks' famous "no [expletive]" policy,” Sexton claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.
“So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive].”
Over the course of his long career, Sexton’s temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.
“It doesn’t look great, me having a go at one of them just after we’ve lost,” Sexton says. “But I can't be expected to ignore that.”
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