Joe Marler’s final professional rugby appearance was as unforgettable as the man himself.
The 34-year-old prop, known for his wit and larger-than-life personality, marked the occasion with a hilarious mid-match question to referee Luke Pearce during Harlequins’ Gallagher Premiership clash against Bristol Bears.
As the first half neared its conclusion and Harlequins led, Marler couldn’t resist asking:
“Question, if someone scores [a try] and they take their shirt off, is it a yellow card?”
Pearce, fully embracing the moment, replied:
“Not tonight for you, no.”
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A fitting exchange for Marler’s swansong.
Shock retirement stuns rugby world
Marler dropped a bombshell on Wednesday, announcing his retirement from professional rugby and ending his England career due to “personal reasons.” A stalwart of the Red Roses with 95 caps to his name, the charismatic forward decided to bow out on his own terms.
A standing ovation for a rugby icon
Friday night’s game at Twickenham Stoop may not have gone Harlequins’ way—losing 24-48 to Bristol Bears—but it was all about Marler. Substituted in the 49th minute, he left the pitch to a rapturous standing ovation from the home crowd.
Fans at the Stoop showed their appreciation for a player who has given so much to the club, offering a heartfelt send-off as Marler waved goodbye one last time.
“I couldn’t do it anymore”: Marler reflects on retirement
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Marler opened up about his decision to retire:
“There’s loads of reasons. I couldn’t do it anymore, physically, mentally, emotionally. After the England announcement, this was inevitable, really. I’d much rather go out now rather than trying to flog a dead horse for the next six months.”
Of course, Marler couldn’t resist a parting quip, revealing:
“I actually went out last week! I quit last week, and they said, ‘Can you come back for one more game? Because Fin [Baxter] needs a rest.’”
The end of an era
Love him or loathe him, Joe Marler’s career has been anything but ordinary. From his outrageous antics to his unwavering commitment on the pitch, he leaves behind a legacy few can match. Twickenham Stoop won’t be the same without him.
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Joe Marler Drops Bombshell: The Four Rugby Players He Just Can’t Stand
etiring England and Harlequinz prop Joe Marler has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions – especially when it comes to players or personalities he’s not particularly fond of.
Here’s the lowdown on the four rugby figures who’ve landed on Marler’s bad side.
#1. Sir Clive Woodward
Marler’s feud with England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has been brewing for years. Things heated up when Woodward tore into Eddie Jones’ side during a webinar, particularly slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference ahead of England’s loss to South Africa in November.
Unimpressed, Marler fired back after reading Woodward’s comments on RugbyPass. Taking to Twitter, he directly called out the coach, tweeting: “Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can ‘milk the cow’ for another three years.”
#2. Israel Folau
Joe Marler has never shied away from taking a stand, and his public clashes with Israel Folau are a testament to that. Folau, whose homophobic views caused uproar in the rugby world, became a frequent target of Marler’s defiant humour.
In a series of tweets aimed at Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing – a gesture that drew widespread praise from players and LGBTQ fans alike.
Marler later gave Folau an ironic nod by naming him in his dream team. On choosing the former Wallabies fullback, he quipped: “On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs.”
#3. Marland Yarde
Marler’s relationship with Marland Yarde turned sour when the winger made an unusual mid-season switch from Harlequins to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in 2017.
Speaking about Yarde’s exit, Marler admitted: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months. I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. Let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it.”
He added: “He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”
#4. Marcos Ayerza
One of Marler’s more heated rivalries unfolded in 2011, when Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza clashed with him during a fiery Premiership match. Both players saw red as referee Wayne Barnes stepped in after Ayerza headbutted Marler, who retaliated with a series of well-placed punches.
The incident remains one of the most explosive moments in Marler’s career, cementing Ayerza’s place on the England prop’s “not-so-favourite” list.
Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
The British & Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.
Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!
Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!
