England prop Joe Marler, 34, has departed the national team’s camp for “personal reasons” ahead of the highly anticipated Test against New Zealand at Twickenham, according to The Times.
The Harlequins player left the team base in Bagshot on Monday, prior to head coach Steve Borthwick’s selection announcement for the All Blacks clash.
On Tuesday, Marler stirred up social media when he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling for the Haka to be “binned” and labelling the pre-match ritual as “ridiculous.” The message was deleted, and Marler briefly deactivated his account before later reactivating it to clarify his comments, saying he’d only been “fishing” and that “context is everything.”
While his departure is not linked to the backlash over his comments on the Haka, Marler’s absence sees Ellis Genge starting at loosehead prop with Fin Baxter named on the bench.
“Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love.” He followed up cheekily, adding, “Also needed to satisfy my narcissism.”
Marler won’t be in Saturday’s lineup at Allianz Stadium due to a foot injury he picked up in July’s Test against New Zealand.
The haka debate brings back memories of England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final, when Marler and teammates were fined £2,000 for forming a ‘V’ shape, breaching World Rugby’s cultural challenge rules.
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“He hates me with a passion” – Owen Farrell never made up with England teammate after joke went too far
Let’s dive into some of his most memorable clashes with fellow players—where the hits, the words, and the drama are all part of the game.
1. Dave Attwood – A Clash of Cultures
Bath lock Dave Attwood has never seen eye to eye with Owen Farrell—and he’s not shy about saying so. On a episode of RugbyPass Offload, Attwood let slip that Farrell “hates me with a passion.” The reason? A cheeky dig at rugby league. Attwood quipped, “a bloody sport for the peasants,” and Farrell—ever the fierce defender of his roots—wasn’t having it.
Cue a post-match urinal showdown. Yes, you read that right. Attwood followed Farrell into the bathroom where things got tense, with Farrell’s dad nearly caught in the crossfire of an ill-timed door slam. Classic post-game drama.
But it didn’t end there. “Whenever we play, one of us is always trying to run at the other or throw a hit,” Attwood confessed. Looks like this rivalry has no bathroom breaks.
2. Ryan Wilson – Tunnel Trouble
Scotland’s Ryan Wilson takes tunnel drama to a whole new level. The back-rower orchestrated what can only be described as “tunnel-gate” back in 2018, during the Six Nations showdown between England and Scotland. As the teams headed in after the warm-up, Wilson tried to rattle George Ford, but Farrell wasn’t having any of it. He charged through the Scottish players, aiming straight for Wilson, and chaos ensued.
Wilson later revealed the consequences of his shenanigans—he got banned from Twickenham! “I had a corporate gig lined up,” he shared, “only to get a message saying the RFU banned me.” Now, that’s what you call paying the price for some pre-match mind games!
3. James Haskell – Best Frenemies Forever
James Haskell and Owen Farrell are rugby’s version of a love-hate bromance. Their playful feud was immortalized during England’s 2016 tour of Australia, where Haskell’s non-stop banter seemed to wear Farrell thin. The iconic “best mates” videos from the tour might make you think they’re inseparable, but don’t be fooled—Farrell’s stony face during the antics suggested Haskell’s relentless humor wasn’t always appreciated.
Still, their “frienemy” status is pure gold for fans who enjoy a bit of off-pitch banter as much as the hard hits on the field.
4. Faf de Klerk – Clash of the Titans
If there’s one player who can truly get under Farrell’s skin, it’s South Africa’s Faf de Klerk. Their rivalry came to a head in 2018 when they ended up toe-to-toe during England’s tour of South Africa. But that was just a warm-up for their World Cup final showdown the following year.
The intensity between them is palpable every time they meet, with De Klerk’s fiery demeanor always pushing Farrell to the edge. Even Tom Curry chimed in, acknowledging the contrast in their personalities. “They’re very different characters,” he said—an understatement for one of rugby’s most electrifying player rivalries.
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.
