"I call it as I see it" - Sir Clive Woodward makes his feelings on 'clown' Joe Marler perfectly clear

Thursday, 02 November 2023 at 07:08

byRugby Rucker

In the world of rugby, former England boss Sir Clive Woodward and prop Joe Marler have found themselves in a verbal tussle over the past four years since the 2019 World Cup.

Woodward didn't pull any punches during a recent webinar, where he criticized Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their conduct in a press conference before England's loss to South Africa in the 2019 final.

He also made it clear that this wasn't the first time he had called out the prop.

After Marler came across an article on the Rugby Pass website that highlighted Woodward's comments, he took to Twitter to respond directly, saying, "Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can ‘milk the cow’ for another three years."

Joe Marler

@JoeMarler

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Change the record Sir Clive - you should be grateful you can “milk the cow” for another 3 years 💤 @CliveWoodward

RugbyPass

@RugbyPass

"It was like Laurel and Hardy. I know they [Cole and Marler] are on the bench but this is 48 hours from the World Cup final... it wasn't larking around - it was embarrassing" - Clive Woodward pulled no punches in a recent webinar 🥊 rugbypass.com/news/8-months-…

3:52 PM · Jul 22, 2020

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However, it seems that Woodward has had a change of heart when it comes to Marler.

He now has a newfound appreciation for the prop, saying, "I have to say I thought four years ago he did a press conference which I still don't like. But crikey, in last week's game against South Africa he was just fantastic.

"I thought his selection was right and they should have absolutely left him on. He has changed my view on him over this World Cup and he has played really well.

"I just call it as I see it, that's what you've got to do in the media and this year he's had a great World Cup. So well done to him."

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England get easy pool for 2027 Rugby World Cup

With the current World Rankings in mind, let's delve into how the 2027 Rugby World Cup will shape up via Rugby Centre.

2027 Rugby World Cup draw (Current rankings)

POOL A

South Africa
Australia
Portugal
Spain

POOL B

France
Fiji
Tonga
Chile

Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

POOL C

New Zealand
Argentina
Georgia
Romania

POOL D

England
Italy
Uruguay
Canada

Marcus Smith of England during the England World Cup Squad Announcement at Twickenham Stadium, London on Monday 7th August 2023 (Photo: George Beck/PPAUK)