Steve Borthwick confirms the appointment of Joe Marler to England backroom team
Today at 08:25 AM
Joe Marler might be done scrummaging for England, but don't call it retirement just yet—he's already got a crucial new gig with the national team.
The former prop has stepped in as Player Welfare Manager, making sure England's stars stay in top shape, both physically and mentally.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Podcast Confessions: Joe's New Chapter
Speaking on the For The Love of Rugby podcast, the 34-year-old revealed the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of his new job. One key takeaway? He's become the go-between for younger players and their sometimes-intimidating Directors of Rugby.
"They'd never speak to the DoRs without fearing they'd be judged as soft," Marler explained. Now? He's the guy having those tough conversations on their behalf.
Marler's Mantra: “Who Better Than Me?”
On his approach to player welfare, Marler put it simply: "It's about making sure the players are looked after so they can perform and have longevity in the game."
And he's already proving his worth.
Standing Up for Players: Feyi-Waboso, Isiekwe & More
Marler has been hands-on in one of England's biggest recent dilemmas—the Immanuel Feyi-Waboso saga. With a decision over surgery threatening to derail the winger's British & Irish Lions dream, Marler was in constant contact with him throughout.
"He's a big boy, an intelligent boy. He's more than capable of holding his own," Marler told City AM. "The PGP [Professional Game Partnership playing agreement] is new and there's going to be some teething issues. We've just got to feed back as much as possible."
He's also been involved in discussions about Nick Isiekwe's game time with Saracens boss Mark McCall, proving he's not afraid to challenge club coaches when necessary.
Could Marler Buy a Club? Not a Chance!
With so many athletes investing in teams, could Marler follow suit? Absolutely not.
"Oh my god," he laughed. "I lose enough money as it is, let alone millions down into a club. No thank you!"
For now, his focus is clear—keeping England's stars fit, fresh, and firing.
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Five England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick – one wants to quit for Six Nations rival
From a fullback who was once undroppable to a powerful winger who was compared to Jonah Lomu, here are five England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.
Freddie Steward – The rock-solid fullback cast aside
It wasn't long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England's World Cup campaign.
Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn't even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.
Zach Mercer – From France's best to England's forgotten man
Zach Mercer's return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.
A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he'll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.
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