Peculiar incidents – Pinching Alun Wyn and Jostles with Haskell
Joe Marler once received a 10-week ban for pinching the genitals of former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, during the 2020 Six Nations match between England and Wales. In just the eighth minute opening of the game, a scuffle broke out as players from both sides piled into a breakdown. Amidst the chaos, Marler, who by this point was well known for his mischievous on-field antics, was caught on camera grabbing the testicles of Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones.
The moment, which was not seen by the match officials at the time, quickly went viral on social media, and generated quite the wide array of responses from the fans. Jones, visibly startled, looked to the assistant referee for assistance, but no action was taken within the initial 80 minutes, with Marler subsequently cited after the full-time whistle. This incident evoked comparisons to the infamously similar grabbing incident between Vinny Jones and Paul Gascoigne in a football match between Wimbledon and Newcastle United in 1991.
While some fans found the incident humorous, others felt it should have been treated more seriously by the match officials. Jones himself remained calm, stating that while the action was unpleasant, he chose not to escalate the situation, acknowledging the difficulties players face in not reacting to on-field misconduct. Marler would later responded to the incident on social media, by rather appropriately posting his succinct opinion; “B*llocks. Complete b*llocks”
The incident between Joe Marler and James Haskell, which took place during a 2017 Aviva Premiership match between Harlequins and Wasps, became widely known for its unusual and comical nature. In the match, Haskell reacted angrily after Marler squirted water in his face from a bottle, and also pulled off the back row’s scrum cap.
Haskell’s response, which involved grabbing Marler by the throat, in a move the former England flanker has since called a ‘Vulcan death grip’, in reference to the famous nerve pinch from the Star Trek series. This led to Haskell being sent to the sin bin, with Harlequins scrum half and fellow charismatic England player Danny Care sending some verbal barbs at Haskell on his way to the side-lines.
Haskell later claimed that the water-spraying incident, combined with Marler choking him with his own scrum cap, had provoked his reaction. During the match, Haskell even appealed to the referee, asking if it was legal for Marler to squirt water in his face Despite the tensions on the pitch, both players were seen smiling and chatting amicably post-match, showing that the altercation had been more of a temporary flare-up than a serious falling-out.
After the game, Marler received a warning from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for his role in provoking Haskell. The warning was a formal reprimand, as part of the RFU’s disciplinary system, with three such warnings in a season leading to a potential one-match suspension. The incident added to Marler’s reputation for being a characteristically fiery and unpredictable player, and although it sparked discussion, it was largely seen as part of the on-field “banter” between England teammates.
“He’s a legend of the game.” – Marler’s mentorship to Fin Baxter and spotting Asher Opoku-Fordjour’s talent
Harlequins and England break-out prop Fin Baxter, has consistently praised Joe Marler for his exceptional mentorship in his early career Baxter has gone on record many times to highlight the positive impact Marler has had on his development both on and off the field, and described the veteran loose-head as a “legend of the game”, after a recent Premiership match for Harlequins against Bath.
Baxter described Marler as “amazing,” particularly noting his hands-on approach in guiding the younger player during training sessions and scrum practices. Marler was pivotal to Baxter’s early successes in the England squad, with a real passing of the torch moment occuring upon the 2024 Summer tour of New Zealand. Even before Marler was sidelined by injury, he made a point of actively reviewing Baxter’s performance, ensuring that his progression didn’t stagnate in the land of the All Blacks.
Marler would sustain a broken foot in the first Test in Dunedin, after the full weight of Tyrel Lomax came crashing down on him after a collapsed scrum. Baxter was hastily introduced in place of his mentor, and rose to the occassion once again the following week at Eden Park, for his first England Test start. Marler commitment to helping Baxter improve continued even after the injury, as Marler stayed in New Zealand for the second Test week and offered his support from the sidelines.
Following a match between Harlequins and Sale Sharks in December 2023, Marler singled out Opoku-Fordjour for his impressive performance off the bench. Despite Sale’s tough 36-3 loss, Marler was quick to highlight the young tight-head’s raw talent, specifically his scrummaging and physical presence. Marler’s recognition was particularly significant as it came in an unprompted moment during a post-match interview, showing his genuine admiration for the young prop’s capabilities.
This endorsement from a veteran like Marler was not just a throwaway comment but a powerful acknowledgment of Opoku-Fordjour’s potential. Marler’s praise gave the 19-year-old a confidence boost, especially as it came from someone who has been a stalwart of both Harlequins and England’s front row for years. His development has since been rapid, having moved on from the collapse of Wasps to making waves with Sale Sharks, before his England Test debut this past Sunday against Japan.
Transcending rugby – The launch of ‘The Joe Marler Show’ and TV appearances
Marler has significantly transcended his rugby career through his ventures in podcasting and TV, establishing himself as a charismatic and insightful personality outside of the sport. One of his most notable projects is ‘Joe Marler’s Things People Do’ (formerly the Joe Marler Show), a podcast that he co-hosts with Tom Fordyce.
The show is a lighthearted yet thoughtful exploration of the quirky and extraordinary things people do, from unusual jobs to fascinating hobbies. Marler’s ability to connect with everyday people and offer humor in his unique candid style, has made the podcast incredibly popular. In addition to his podcasting success, Marler has made multiple television appearances that have further solidified his reputation as an engaging media personality.
His presence on shows such as ‘Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel’ before Marler made a memorable appearance on a drag show, ITV’s special Queens for the Night, where he embraced the challenge of stepping out of his comfort zone. Marler took on the drag persona “Trixie Turnover”, and he expressed his excitement about trying something different. Marler admitted that while drag requires strong calves, the most important quality is being able to let go and embrace the character.
Interviews and media appearances have allowed Marler to showcase his witty and down-to-earth nature, often blending humor with commentary on serious subjects like mental health and life after rugby. His ability to open up about his personal experiences, combined with his quick wit, has made him a sought-after guest for television appearances, where he continues to break away from the traditional rugby player mold.
