Joe Marler set for left field career change following international rugby retirement

While reports suggest Marler plans to hang up his boots completely in 2025 — which could end his journey with Harlequins — he has decided to first step back from the international stage.

Marler’s England debut came during the summer tour of South Africa in 2012, and he quickly became a fixture on the team. His career highlights include being part of England's Six Nations-winning squads in 2016, 2017, and 2020. Marler also played in three Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 campaign where England reached the final before losing to South Africa.

Reflecting on his career, Marler, 34, expressed gratitude for the journey: “I’ve been really, really lucky to experience both the mega highs and the mega lows in an England shirt. I will cherish all of them because they all count.”

In 2017, Marler was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for their tour of New Zealand, although he didn’t feature in any Test matches. He also made an appearance for the Barbarians in 2019, a fitting nod to his career’s wide-ranging impact.

Marler previously retired from international rugby in 2018, only to return in time for the 2019 World Cup. Named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the current autumn internationals, he recently withdrew for personal reasons, solidifying his decision to retire from international play.

Marler has already begun exploring life beyond rugby, notably through his podcast, "Joe Marler’s Things People Do" (previously "The Joe Marler Show"). The show, which isn’t rugby-centric, allows Marler to engage with a diverse range of people and topics.

For those wondering if Marler will take up coaching, the answer is no. His future plans involve pursuing a media career, one that’s not directly tied to sports. Marler’s focus now is on building a new career in broadcasting, where fans can expect to see more of his trademark humor and insight.

Here’s a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.

Sexton’s rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland’s quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.

The interaction didn’t sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane’s behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks' “no d***heads” policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide​

"After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says 'don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].' So much for the All Blacks’ famous “no [expletive]” policy," Sexton claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.

"So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive]."

Over the course of his long career, Sexton's temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.

"It doesn't look great, me having a go at one of them just after we've lost," Sexton says. "But I can’t be expected to ignore that."

Finn Russell, known for his creative and unorthodox style, stands in sharp contrast to Sexton’s more structured and disciplined approach. Sexton has reportedly called Russell “flashy” and inconsistent, suggesting that he values flair over reliability.

This difference in playing philosophy has fuelled tension between the two fly-halves, with Sexton critical of Russell’s approach to high-stakes situations.

The tension between Sexton and referee Jaco Peyper escalated dramatically after the 2023 Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle. Despite being injured and sidelined, Sexton confronted Peyper post-match, allegedly calling his officiating a “f***ing disgrace.”

Peyper described the interaction as “aggressive,” which led to a three-match ban for Sexton. This incident remained a talking point as Sexton prepared for the World Cup, where he continued to express frustration over Peyper’s decisions​

Sexton’s professional approach to rugby contrasts starkly with Danny Cipriani’s reputation for being more laid-back. Sexton reportedly found Cipriani’s casual attitude frustrating, especially in training and preparation.

Cipriani’s relaxed style and off-field antics clashed with Sexton’s high standards, leaving the Irishman less than impressed with Cipriani’s professionalism​

Sexton’s exclusion from the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, led by coach Warren Gatland, has remained a point of contention. Sexton was overlooked in favor of other fly-halves, including Finn Russell, despite being widely regarded as one of the best in Europe.

The decision left Sexton feeling frustrated with Gatland’s coaching choices, which he viewed as an oversight of his experience and consistency​

“We’d never had a very close relationship," he revealed in the book. "But I was convinced he would bring me, based on the fact that we had been successful on previous tours. Gatland has always said that Six Nations form was his main selection guide and I had finished the Six Nations strongly. Our performance in the final game, when we gave England a 32–18 spanking in the Aviva, was a turning point for the team. 

“I’d set a few personal targets to achieve before the end of my contract: to reach 100 caps, to captain Ireland to a grand slam and Leinster to another double. I also craved a third Lions tour. There’s an exclusive club of players who have played in three or more Test series for the Lions and I desperately wanted to be in it.

“Competition was tight, I’ll admit," Sexton added. "I expected that Gats would go with Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, players who had delivered for him before. Quality players and proven winners. Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me. I reckoned that if Gats chose three out-halves and if he was true to his ideals, I was in.”