"End is nigh" - Joe Marler the latest England star to be ruled out after confirming retirement date

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Billy Millard, the director of rugby, casts doubt on Marler's availability for Harlequins' imminent clash with Newcastle this Friday.

The loosened-prop, who played a key role for Steve Borthwick’s men during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has 88 caps for his country since making his debut in 2012. 

Marler recently confirmed he will retire from rugby in 2025, but confirmed he will be available for England up until then.

While Millard refrained from offering detailed updates, Marler, along with fellow Quins forwards Dino Lamb and Stephan Lewies, remains under assessment and scanning by the club's medical team.

In parallel woes, Bristol's Ellis Genge suffered a hamstring injury in early December, ruling him out of action.

Sale prop Bevan Rodd faces a similar fate, being sidelined for the entire Six Nations starting on February 2, due to a troublesome toe injury.

Adding to the list, Mako Vunipola, absent from the World Cup squad due to persistent back problems, faces a four-match ban.

The ban stems from a red card received for a dangerous tackle during Saracens' recent triumph over Newcastle.

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This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.

Some of these are significantly easier than others.