"REAL Gladiator ref" - Joe Marler ranks his five favourite Scots

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In an interview with the Mail Online, Marler expressed his enthusiasm for the intense rivalry between England and Scotland, emphasizing his fondness for the spirited competition. He stated, "It's become an incredibly hostile rivalry and I love it. The niggle goes back to the night in 2018 when Ryan Wilson picked on George Ford in the tunnel."

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2018 when tensions flared between Ryan Wilson and George Ford, Marler humorously recounted how he was preoccupied with a cheese toastie, regrettably unable to intervene in the altercation. He added, "Unfortunately, I was plodding back with a belly full of cheese toastie so I was nowhere near to intervene when Wilson started dishing it out in his thick Scottish-Surrey accent."

Marler is set to share his insights exclusively with Mail Sport throughout the tournament.

Read on to discover Marler's personal selection of his five favorite Scots.

Hailing from Scotland, Finn Russell is a rugby maestro known for his electrifying playmaking skills and strategic prowess on the field. Born on September 23, 1992, in Bridge of Allan, Russell's journey to rugby stardom began at a young age.

His remarkable talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his professional debut for the Glasgow Warriors in 2012. Russell's career skyrocketed as he showcased his exceptional abilities, earning him accolades both domestically and internationally.

A key figure for the Scottish national team, he is celebrated for his daring style of play, pinpoint kicks, and ability to orchestrate attacks with precision. With each match, Russell continues to solidify his legacy as one of Scotland's finest rugby talents of his generation.

Marler wrote: "As a fan, I really enjoy watching Finn Russell. He's got a massive bag of tricks. You never know what he's going to do. Half the time, I'm not sure if he knows himself. He's one of the best in the world. Marcus Smith talks about how much he loves the way he plays and what it was like to spend time with him on the Lions tour."

ndy Murray, a British tennis legend, is renowned for his tenacity, skill, and unwavering determination on the court. Born on May 15, 1987, in Glasgow, Scotland, Murray's journey to tennis greatness is marked by grit and resilience. From a young age, he displayed exceptional talent, honing his skills relentlessly under the guidance of his coaches.

Murray's breakthrough came as he rose through the ranks of professional tennis, captivating audiences with his remarkable defensive prowess, powerful serves, and strategic brilliance. His list of achievements includes multiple Grand Slam titles, Olympic gold medals, and numerous ATP Tour victories.

Beyond his individual success, Murray's enduring legacy lies in his role as a trailblazer for British tennis, inspiring generations with his indomitable spirit and unparalleled dedication to the sport.

McCoist, affectionately known as "Super Ally," is a Scottish football icon revered for his prolific goal-scoring prowess and infectious charisma. Born on September 24, 1962, in Bellshill, Scotland, McCoist's illustrious career spans decades, during which he etched his name into the annals of football history.

His journey began with St Johnstone before he made a legendary move to Rangers FC, where he became a club legend, breaking goal-scoring records and leading the team to numerous triumphs. McCoist's magnetic personality endeared him to fans across the globe, transcending his status as a mere athlete to that of a cultural icon.

Following his retirement from professional play, McCoist seamlessly transitioned into a successful career in football punditry and management, further solidifying his status as a Scottish sporting legend.

Anderson, the formidable referee of the iconic television show "Gladiators," was the authoritative figure who presided over the thrilling battles between contenders and the mighty gladiators. With his commanding presence and booming voice, Anderson ensured that each competition was conducted fairly and in accordance with the rules.

Born on April 12, 1931, Anderson brought a sense of drama and excitement to every episode, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as contestants faced off in a series of exhilarating challenges.

His trademark catchphrase, "Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready! Three, two, one..." became synonymous with the show's high-energy atmosphere. Anderson's contributions to "Gladiators" helped turn it into a beloved cultural phenomenon, fondly remembered by fans around the world.

m Wallace, immortalized in the iconic portrayal by Mel Gibson, is a legendary figure in Scottish history, revered for his valiant struggle for freedom against English oppression.

In the epic film "Braveheart," Wallace emerges as a symbol of Scottish resilience and defiance, leading his countrymen in a spirited rebellion against tyranny.

Born in the late 13th century, Wallace's heroic deeds during the Wars of Scottish Independence captured the imagination of generations, inspiring a sense of national pride and solidarity among Scots.

While the historical accuracy of his portrayal in "Braveheart" may be debated, there is no denying the enduring impact of Wallace's legacy, which continues to resonate in Scottish culture and folklore to this day.

Joe said: "The first time I ever cried during a film was watching Braveheart in my nan's lounge. I was six or seven years old, eating biscuits. I had this cuddly snowman and I cried when the executioners were torturing him. 'Just say the word… just say mercy and it will all be over'."