Rugby stalwart and Harlequins legend Joe Marler has officially retired from international rugby, wrapping up a stellar career with 95 England caps to his name.
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Marler, who debuted on England’s 2012 summer tour of South Africa, went on to be a mainstay in the front row for over a decade, making his mark in three Six Nations-winning squads (2016, 2017, and 2020) and competing in three Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 tournament when England reached the final.
Reflecting on his career, Marler, now 34, said, “It’s time for me to move on. 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.”
Alongside his England duties, Marler was selected for the 2017 British and Irish Lions squad in New Zealand, though he didn’t see Test action, and also donned the iconic black and white jersey of the Barbarians in 2019.
But let’s rewind to where it all began: Marler’s first England outing against the Springboks in 2012.
The Challenge: Can you name the starting XV from Marler’s debut match in South Africa? The answer requires both first and last names.
