Joe Marler has confirmed he will continue playing into the 2024/25 season but has also set a date for his retirement from all forms of rugby.
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The 34-year-old England prop will miss the start of the Premiership season due to a broken foot sustained during England’s summer tour. Marler was substituted after 17 minutes in England’s narrow 16-15 loss to New Zealand on 6 July, the first match of a 2-0 series defeat.
During Harlequins’ open training session on Wednesday, Marler was spotted wearing a protective boot on his left foot. Head coach Danny Wilson indicated that the experienced prop will be sidelined until October.
“It’s going to be a 12-14 week injury,” Wilson stated. “It’s not a 12-weeker where he can come back in nine. It’s an injury that will take that amount of time.”
Despite the injury, Marler has confirmed in an interview with The Sunday Times that he will be available for the 2024 Six Nations, while also acknowledging his retirement plans.
He explained that some wise words from his wife, Daisy, have led to a change in his approach to his England career. “I have not retired. This isn’t a bluff, now. I’m definitely not ready to stop with England,” Marler said. “But I am ready to go: ‘It’s not my choice.’”
Career change:
Marler is now setting his sights on a life beyond rugby, having initiated this transition by launching his podcast, “The Joe Marler Show.”
The show doesn’t centre around rugby and allows Joe to explore his other interests.
His future plans also do not involve coaching, as he aspires to embark on a media career detached from the realm of sports.
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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