Harlequins front-rower Joe Marler has rejoined social media to clarify his bold comments about the New Zealand haka, after setting off a storm online.
The 34-year-old, recently omitted from Steve Borthwick’s squad for England’s showdown with the All Blacks next Saturday, initially made waves with two blunt posts on X (formerly Twitter).
“The haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous,” he wrote, taking a shot at the revered ritual. Marler then doubled down, adding, “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”
Facing backlash, Marler reactivated his account to post two fresh messages, saying he’d just been “fishing.” “Context is everything,” he clarified.
“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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“Best scrummager of all-time” – Joe Marler picks his dream team
A Lions tourist during the 2017 series in New Zealand, the Eastbourne-born prop gained international honours at every age-grade level before going on to earn his senior England debut in 2012, with 71 caps to date.
Marler’s cheeky selection features seven All Blacks legends in his team, with three from Ireland, two Welsh, two Australians and a Fijian nicknamed ‘The Bus’.
FRONT-ROW
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
