Joe Marler can recall the date of his England debut without hesitation, but the significance of it has not occurred to him. The Harlequins prop’s Test career is now into its second decade.
‘It is surreal, now you’ve brought it up,’ he says, when asked by Sportsmail about the milestone. ‘Ten years ago. That’s quite cool.
‘My debut was in 2012 — June 9, in South Africa. It was tight in that first Test, but the next week it wasn’t. That day, after their fourth try, I was thinking, “We’re going to get 50 points put on us here”. I couldn’t get my breath. It was carnage. They had Bismarck and Jannie (du Plessis) and the Beast (Tendai Mtawarira) in their front row.’
Joe Marler said that he has changed a lot as a person across his long and storied career
Joe Marler says one of the worst moments of his career was the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Many memories remain close to the surface, ready for fresh reflection. Some are filed away into the deeper recesses, though. What about the highs and lows of that decade? ‘The best bit was the Grand Slam in 2016, on the back of what had happened in 2015 (World Cup), which I’ve sort of blocked out,’ says Marler. ‘And obviously the semi and the final last time (2019). I loved it.
‘The worst bit was probably Cheslin Kolbe rounding me, twice — and that World Cup campaign in 2015. It was awful, not just in terms of how we did, but also who I was. I can joke about it now but there was a period when I hated what I was. Now, I am far more comfortable with who I am. I’m more self-aware now.’
As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Marler has much more to offer — to club, but country? He retired from internationals in 2018, only to reverse his decision, then he missed last year’s Six Nations after opting out of a long spell in a Covid bubble, away from his family.
The prop believes Harlequins style has re-energised him in the game and kept him going
Last month, Marler was omitted from a Red Rose training camp, prompting speculation about his England involvement. So let us clear that up. He is ready to play, but it is a competitive area, with Ellis Genge, Mako Vunipola and Bevan Rodd all in the mix at loosehead.
‘I am available,’ says Marler. ‘The times I stepped out of it, there was a lot of other stuff going on. Having time away made me miss it and I’d quite like to play again. I’d love to go to Australia. I’d love to make it to the World Cup. But there are a lot of good players around. So it’s down to what Eddie (Jones) wants. He knows what he’s getting if he picks me.’
The time away was partly about Marler’s work-life balance — and that remains a focus. ‘I’ve struggled with my balance,’ he says. ‘I’ve struggled physically and mentally at times.’
Joe Marler was omitted from an England training camp last month but wishes to play again
A year ago, Quins helped him with that balance — flying him by helicopter to Bristol for their Premiership semi-final at Ashton Gate, so he could spend longer at home after the birth of his fourth child. He rewarded them with a Herculean performance as they took another step towards a staggering league title triumph.
They clinched it with victory over Exeter — and by staying true to their adventurous instincts. It is that spirit which has re- energised Marler. ‘It’s what has kept me going, the fact that this is the way we want to play,’ he says. ‘It is bonkers, but I love it.’
He also loves that it showcases the sport. ‘We’ve a responsibility to grow the game,’ he adds. ‘I never used to recognise that. I just thought I play and who cares whether anyone watches because I’m getting paid. But now I realise that, no, we won’t get paid if enough people aren’t coming.
He has enjoyed some magical moments in an England shirt but also endured some tough times
‘My son loves watching attacking football. There are kids in rugby who we should be encouraging like that. It’s fun and more enjoyable to watch. People don’t want to watch a kick-fest.’
What makes Marler stand apart is his blend of whacky humour and forthright views. One minute, he is discussing how a basketball documentary prompted his penchant for outlandish pre-match attire. Moments later, Marler will tackle a thorny issue: Premiership ring-fencing. ‘I know why there’s no relegation, but it needs to come back,’ he says. ‘It’s ridiculous. People want to watch meaningful games.’
They will not have to look much further than StoneX Stadium today, where Quins take on Saracens in a play-off which will be tense and explosive. In Sarries’ salary-cap busting absence, Quins won the league — now the stage is set for a showdown between the holders and their nemesis club.
When asked about the clash, Marler objects to the wording of the question. ‘Daunting? You should retract that word,’ he says. ‘It’s not daunting. I’m so excited. It will be some game, if they can muster up a crowd!’
He is funny and engaging company, possessing a mixture of whacky and forthright views
As a stalwart Quin, used to operating in Sarries’ shadow, Marler feels satisfaction that their offences were exposed. But says there was no relish.
‘Did I enjoy seeing them go down? I wouldn’t say “enjoy”. I felt the punishment was deserved because they broke the rules.
‘There are boys there I’m friends with and it’s also about people’s livelihoods. They’re back now and probably favourites for the title.’
But Quins will not hand back their title lightly, especially given the miracles they conjured to win it. ‘We’ll struggle to top that,’ says Marler, before the optimist in him reappears. ‘Can we do it again? I think we can.’
Joe Marler has partnered with supplement brand Bioglan and influencer Mat Carter to show how he finds balance in his busy life. Visit @bioglansupplements on Instagram
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