Joe Marler's Most Iconic Moments: The Ultimate Highs and Lows from rugby's charismatic Loose Head
Rugby NewsThursday, 28 November 2024 at 11:22
. Known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Marler would likely bring a fun and unpredictable element to the show.
The rugby world will bid farewell to one of the all-time great characters this Friday, as Joe Marler gets set for his retirement match at the Twickenham Stoop. The loose-head hung up the Test match boots with England earlier this month, and yesterday Marler confirmed his intentions to end his career-long run with Harlequins, following this Friday's Premiership Rugby match against Bristol Bears.
There is no denying that Marler is one such rugby player who has transcended the sport. His incredible charisma has made him a household name in the mainstream media, with prime-time TV appearances coinciding with the rise of his podcast 'Joe Marler's Things People Do'. The loose-head would always add his unique touch to his player portrait for match day graphics, with his raised eyebrow and quizzical expression instantly recognised alongside his iconic blonde mohawk.
Joe Marler of England warming up during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 12th March 2022 - PHOTO: George Tewkesbury/PPAUK
Aside from his trailblazing personality as a rugby character, Marler backed up his unique persona as one of the world's very best props. Arguably England's best loose-head scrummager right up until his Test match retirement, Marler's no-nonsense approach to leading his team juxtaposed his fun-loving character and he would empty the tank on every appearance for club and country. From his debut in the famous Quins quarters to winning the 2016 Six Nations as the best prop in the world, it has certainly been a 'rollercoaster ride' for the 34-year-old, who shared a departing message across social media.
So, we have had a crack at compiling the ultimate highs and lows of Joe Marler's decorated career, that has spanned 15 years in the London borough of Richmond and Twickenham. Whilst we could not include every iconic one-liner Marler has quipped, for both article restraints and censorship reasons, we have done our best to give the one of a kind prop a proper send off. Here are the greatest (and not so greatest) moments, throughout the storied rugby career of Joe Marler.
From Humble Beginnings
After progressing through the ranks with his beloved Eastbourne Sharks, Marler began to represent his home county of Sussex at the age of 14. The loose-head was scouted for a place in the Harlequins Academy and was officially brought onto the books as a fresh faced teenager in the 2008/09 Premiership season. Whilst the exact details of Marler's Harlequins debut looked to have been lost to the annuals of history, the loose-head progressed through the ranks after spending some time out on loan with National League clubs Esher and Worthing.
Marler would earn his first international honors in 2008, as he was called-up to captain the England U20s. The front row pulled no punches at the age grade level, as was a pivotal member of the side who finished runners-up in the 2009 IRB Junior World Champions. The eventual winners, New Zealand, featured future All Black Aaron Cruden, whilst Marler's England cohort included the likes of James Gaskell and Tom Homer. The international progression continued for the young Marler, who had achieved an England A involvement in 2011, as he was apart of the England Saxons outfit that took on Italy.
England Debut - 2012 Summer Tour of South Africa
The international honors would continue for Marler, with his senior England call-up coming in the Summer of 2012. Marler was selected by former head coach Stuart Lancaster for the the Summer Tour of South Africa, and Marler went head to head with Springbok tight-head Jannie du Plessis for a Test debut on June 9th. Marler made his England debut alongside Jonathan Joseph and Tom Johnson, with Marler's 95 subsequent caps showcasing his longevity up against his England debut twins.
Marler retain his place in the touring team for the second Test with the Springboks, as he successfully kept Alex Corbisiero out of the starting XV. England were unable to secure a win against South Africa on that tour, with two defeats and a draw coming on the tour in the land of the Springboks. Marler was an unused replacement for the final match of the three match series, that ended in a rare 14-14 draw on South African soil.
"You're f****** boring me, hurry up!" - Joe Marler's best one liners
As Marler continued to rise in his on-field prominence, so did his character as one of rugby's best wise crackers. The loose-head found himself in the spotlight throughout the empty stadiums of the Covid pandemic, as there was no crowd noise to cover the quick wit of the loose-head. One of the most memorable lines saw Marler shout at former Exeter Chiefs scrum half Nic White, as the Devon side were slow to get the ball out of a ruck: "You're f****** boring me, hurry up!"
Following Harlequins win in the 2021 Premiership Final, Marler was called for the duties of a post match press conference and could not hear himself talk over the eruption of noise at Twickenham Stadium. The loose-head gave his finest impression of Brick Tamland, from the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. "I don't know what I'm saying! It's loud noises, I love lamp!" was Marler concise chat with the TV broadcasters after he won his second Premiership title.
"Are you wearing those boots for a bet?" Another iconic line from Marler saw him berate the choice footwear of Premiership referee Andrew Small. The line caught everyone off guard as Quins prepared to pack down against London Irish, with the match official cracking a smile and a quick retort of his own "Yeah, I paid for mine though." Think it's safe to say the former England prop won that dual of words.
Then re-wind back to 2015, and Marler had a full head of steam after a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign with England. Stuart Lancaster's side suffered pool stage defeats to Wales and Australia, and subsequently became the first hosting nation of the World Cup to fail to progress to the knock-out stage. Marler returned to Harlequins sooner than expected, and his emotions were running high as he explained his late hit on a Wasps player to referee Luke Pearce; "You've got to understand the energy levels, there's a lot of frustration. you didn't get knocked out of a World Cup mate, I did."
Premiership and Six Nations Glory - A decorated Trophy Cabinet
Joe Marler’s Premiership titles with Harlequins in 2012 and 2021 were standout achievements in his club career. In 2012, Harlequins clinched their maiden Premiership title with Marler anchoring the scrum and delivering powerful performances throughout the season in the famous quarters. The final against Leicester Tigers showcased his resilience and technical prowess, as Quins secured a 30-23 victory.
Marler’s second title in 2021 was even more dramatic, with Harlequins overcoming a significant deficit to defeat Bristol Bears in the semi-final, before the Londoners achieved an exhilarating 40-38 win over Exeter Chiefs in the final at Twickenham. Marler's involvement once again provided crucial experience and leadership, for Harlequins to get the job done with their backs against the wall.
On the international stage, Marler played a significant role in England’s Six Nations triumphs in 2016, 2017, and 2020. The 2016 campaign saw England secure their first Grand Slam since 2003, with Marler excelling in the scrum and around the field under the newly appointed Eddie Jones’ leadership. The prop was a cornerstone of England’s set-piece dominance and a reliable presence in high-pressure matches, with Marler establishing himself as one of the best in the world at the set-piece.
In 2017, England retained the Six Nations title, narrowly missing another Grand Slam but continuing their winning streak under Marler’s solid contributions in the forward pack. The 2020 Six Nations was unique, as the tournament faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the disruptions, England emerged victorious, with Marler playing a critical role in their forward dominance.
His performances in key games, such as the hard-fought victory over Wales, were instrumental in securing the championship. Across these campaigns, Marler’s blend of technical skill, mental toughness, and vibrant personality made him a central figure in both club and country successes. In addition to his Six Nations success, Joe Marler was part of the England squad that won the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup in 2020.
The tournament, introduced as a replacement for the traditional autumn internationals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw England dominate their group before a tense final against France. Marler contributed to England’s forward strength throughout the competition. The final at Twickenham was a dramatic affair, with England clinching a 22-19 victory in extra time, showcasing their resilience and Marler’s role as a reliable and experienced front-row player.
Crossing the line - England's 2019 World Cup Haka response
The 2019 Rugby World Cup saw England take on the All Blacks in the semi-final. There was an unforgettable scene ahead of the match, as in response to New Zealand's revered Haka, England formed themselves into a V formation, which foreshadowed their upcoming victory in Japan. However, Marler took the V a literal step to far, and crossed over the half-way line as England's front-most forward player in the formation.
Whilst the response to the All Blacks was an impressive spectacle, it was later revealed that Marler crossing the half way line had resulted in the England team getting a fine for their actions. The news came to light on none other than the Jonathan Ross Show, as the prime time TV host welcomed Marler to the sofas, alongside his England teammates Manu Tuilagi, Tom Curry and Ben Youngs. Marler was swiftly thrown under the bus for the Haka response being his idea, in what has become an iconic piece of TV, that showed off the personalities of the 2019 Rugby World Cup silver medalists.
Living with the Lions - Marler's run on the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand
Joe Marler’s career with the British & Irish Lions highlighted his standing as one of the top loose-head props in the late 2010s. He was selected for the Lions’ 2017 tour to New Zealand, a campaign that pitted Warren Gatland's tourists against the two-time Rugby World Cupm winning All Blacks.
Though Marler did not feature in the eventually drawn three match Test series, the loose-head played in several midweek fixtures, including matches against the Blues and Hurricanes. His performances were once again marked by strong scrummaging and aggressive defense, key elements that demonstrated his value to the world famous touring squad squad.
Marler’s experience and personality made him a popular figure within the touring party. His ability to lift team morale, both on and off the field, complemented his contributions during the mid-week matches. Despite intense competition for the loose-head position against the likes of his England teammate Mako Vunipola and Ireland's Jack McGrath. Marler’s adaptability and work rate ensured he played a vital role in keeping the squad competitive during a physically demanding tour. He consistently showed his resilience and commitment against tough New Zealand opposition, which added depth to the Lions' forward pack.
Although he wasn’t part of the test lineup, Marler’s contribution to the 2017 Lions tour was significant in preparing the team for their historic drawn series against the All Blacks. His involvement in such a prestigious tour further cemented his reputation as a world-class prop, capable of performing on the biggest stages. His time with the Lions also showcased his ability to integrate into a multi-national squad, a testament to his professionalism and character.
Peculiar incidents - Pinching Alun Wyn and Jostles with Haskell
Joe Marler once received a 10-week ban for pinching the genitals of former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, during the 2020 Six Nations match between England and Wales. In just the eighth minute opening of the game, a scuffle broke out as players from both sides piled into a breakdown. Amidst the chaos, Marler, who by this point was well known for his mischievous on-field antics, was caught on camera grabbing the testicles of Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones.
The moment, which was not seen by the match officials at the time, quickly went viral on social media, and generated quite the wide array of responses from the fans. Jones, visibly startled, looked to the assistant referee for assistance, but no action was taken within the initial 80 minutes, with Marler subsequently cited after the full-time whistle. This incident evoked comparisons to the infamously similar grabbing incident between Vinny Jones and Paul Gascoigne in a football match between Wimbledon and Newcastle United in 1991.
While some fans found the incident humorous, others felt it should have been treated more seriously by the match officials. Jones himself remained calm, stating that while the action was unpleasant, he chose not to escalate the situation, acknowledging the difficulties players face in not reacting to on-field misconduct. Marler would later responded to the incident on social media, by rather appropriately posting his succinct opinion; "B*llocks. Complete b*llocks"
The incident between Joe Marler and James Haskell, which took place during a 2017 Aviva Premiership match between Harlequins and Wasps, became widely known for its unusual and comical nature. In the match, Haskell reacted angrily after Marler squirted water in his face from a bottle, and also pulled off the back row's scrum cap.
Haskell’s response, which involved grabbing Marler by the throat, in a move the former England flanker has since called a 'Vulcan death grip', in reference to the famous nerve pinch from the Star Trek series. This led to Haskell being sent to the sin bin, with Harlequins scrum half and fellow charismatic England player Danny Care sending some verbal barbs at Haskell on his way to the side-lines.
Haskell later claimed that the water-spraying incident, combined with Marler choking him with his own scrum cap, had provoked his reaction. During the match, Haskell even appealed to the referee, asking if it was legal for Marler to squirt water in his face Despite the tensions on the pitch, both players were seen smiling and chatting amicably post-match, showing that the altercation had been more of a temporary flare-up than a serious falling-out.
After the game, Marler received a warning from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for his role in provoking Haskell. The warning was a formal reprimand, as part of the RFU's disciplinary system, with three such warnings in a season leading to a potential one-match suspension. The incident added to Marler's reputation for being a characteristically fiery and unpredictable player, and although it sparked discussion, it was largely seen as part of the on-field "banter" between England teammates.
"He's a legend of the game." - Marler's mentorship to Fin Baxter and spotting Asher Opoku-Fordjour's talent
Harlequins and England break-out prop Fin Baxter, has consistently praised Joe Marler for his exceptional mentorship in his early career Baxter has gone on record many times to highlight the positive impact Marler has had on his development both on and off the field, and described the veteran loose-head as a "legend of the game", after a recent Premiership match for Harlequins against Bath.
Baxter described Marler as “amazing,” particularly noting his hands-on approach in guiding the younger player during training sessions and scrum practices. Marler was pivotal to Baxter's early successes in the England squad, with a real passing of the torch moment occuring upon the 2024 Summer tour of New Zealand. Even before Marler was sidelined by injury, he made a point of actively reviewing Baxter’s performance, ensuring that his progression didn’t stagnate in the land of the All Blacks.
Marler would sustain a broken foot in the first Test in Dunedin, after the full weight of Tyrel Lomax came crashing down on him after a collapsed scrum. Baxter was hastily introduced in place of his mentor, and rose to the occassion once again the following week at Eden Park, for his first England Test start. Marler commitment to helping Baxter improve continued even after the injury, as Marler stayed in New Zealand for the second Test week and offered his support from the sidelines.
Following a match between Harlequins and Sale Sharks in December 2023, Marler singled out Opoku-Fordjour for his impressive performance off the bench. Despite Sale's tough 36-3 loss, Marler was quick to highlight the young tight-head’s raw talent, specifically his scrummaging and physical presence. Marler’s recognition was particularly significant as it came in an unprompted moment during a post-match interview, showing his genuine admiration for the young prop’s capabilities.
This endorsement from a veteran like Marler was not just a throwaway comment but a powerful acknowledgment of Opoku-Fordjour’s potential. Marler’s praise gave the 19-year-old a confidence boost, especially as it came from someone who has been a stalwart of both Harlequins and England’s front row for years. His development has since been rapid, having moved on from the collapse of Wasps to making waves with Sale Sharks, before his England Test debut this past Sunday against Japan.
Transcending rugby - The launch of 'The Joe Marler Show' and TV appearances
Marler has significantly transcended his rugby career through his ventures in podcasting and TV, establishing himself as a charismatic and insightful personality outside of the sport. One of his most notable projects is 'Joe Marler's Things People Do' (formerly the Joe Marler Show), a podcast that he co-hosts with Tom Fordyce.
The show is a lighthearted yet thoughtful exploration of the quirky and extraordinary things people do, from unusual jobs to fascinating hobbies. Marler’s ability to connect with everyday people and offer humor in his unique candid style, has made the podcast incredibly popular. In addition to his podcasting success, Marler has made multiple television appearances that have further solidified his reputation as an engaging media personality.
His presence on shows such as 'Michael McIntyre's The Wheel' before Marler made a memorable appearance on a drag show, ITV's special
Queens for the Night, where he embraced the challenge of stepping out of his comfort zone. Marler took on the drag persona "Trixie Turnover", and he expressed his excitement about trying something different. Marler admitted that while drag requires strong calves, the most important quality is being able to let go and embrace the character.
Interviews and media appearances have allowed Marler to showcase his witty and down-to-earth nature, often blending humor with commentary on serious subjects like mental health and life after rugby. His ability to open up about his personal experiences, combined with his quick wit, has made him a sought-after guest for television appearances, where he continues to break away from the traditional rugby player mold.
Out with a bang - Marler comments on the All Blacks Haka, before departing the England squad
Marler ended his England career with a bang, as he recently stirred up controversy by calling for the famous Māori war dance, the Haka, to be "binned." In his statement, he argued that the All Blacks pre-match performance had become a "ridiculous" spectacle, when not challenged in the form that England's rugby league players do.
This led to a backlash from various communities, including those within New Zealand. The Haka has long been a respected and integral part of the All Blacks' matchday rituals, and Marler's remarks were viewed by many as disrespectful or out of touch. However, Marler later clarified that his intent was not to offend but to provoke interest in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series opener between England and the All Blacks, and he apologized for any hurt caused
This incident occurred just days before Marler announced his retirement from international rugby, ending a distinguished 95-cap career with England. In his emotional farewell, Marler emphasized the importance of prioritizing his family and admitted that he could no longer perform at the same level he once did.
His decision to step away from the international stage came after much personal reflection, and he shared how the time had come for him to leave behind the "dream bubble" of playing for his country. While Marler’s haka comments may have added to the timing of his retirement announcement, it was clear that his decision was rooted in a combination of personal reasons, including family priorities and the recognition of his physical limitations.
Joe Marler of England and Nic Dolly of England during the national anthems during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Marler's retirement marks the end of an era for England rugby, as he was a key figure in their scrum and locker room dynamics over the years. His contributions to the national team were vast, including his involvement in three Rugby World Cups and his role in the team’s memorable run to the final in 2019.
England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, praised Marler’s toughness and leadership on and off the field, acknowledging that his presence will be missed. Despite his controversial comments, Marler's career remains one of significant achievement, and his decision to retire seems to signal a new chapter focused on family and personal life, with no plans for a return to the England fold.
So, What next?
Marler's other-worldly rugby knowledge could still keep him close to the sport, whether through coaching, mentoring, or punditry. Given his experience and his relationship with younger players like Fin Baxter and Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Marler could take on a more hands-on mentoring role within Harlequins or other clubs. His ability to teach, guide, and entertain positions him well to stay engaged with rugby, while also capitalizing on his growing popularity in entertainment.
Joe Marler of Harlequins waves to supporters after the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons at Twickenham Stoop, London on the 4th March 2022 - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
In addition to his rugby and media work, Joe Marler has been the subject of rumors suggesting he could appear on the popular British TV show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here
His past as a professional rugby player and his boldness in the media make him an ideal candidate for the challenges and antics that the reality show is known for. He would follow in the footsteps of James Haskell and Mike Tindall should he brace the trip to the jungle, and while these rumors have sparked excitement, it remains to be seen if Marler will actually make an appearance.
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