A prominent England rugby star boasting nearly 100 international appearances has disclosed his past allegiance to Ireland! Can you guess who this player might be?
Writing in the Mail Online, Joe Marler wrote: “Not many people know this but I grew up supporting Ireland. I loved guys like Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes and Paul O’Connell.
“My mate, Matt, reminded me of it the other day when he sent a photograph of me wearing a green jersey as a porky teenager.
“I have some Irish blood on my mum’s side of the family and I was a bit of a non-conformist. Even though I grew up here, I didn’t want to be like everyone else by supporting England.
“It came to a head when I was 13 and giving it the biggun to everyone cheering on England when they were on TV in the club-house.
“Let’s just say one of the first team players had a stern word with me in the toilets and I’ve supported England ever since.
JOE MARLER: DREAM TEAM
FRONT-ROW
1. Jason Leonard (England)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Marler on Leonard: “My Idol – I still pinch myself when I’m in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it.”
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
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