REPORT: Joe Marler fuels transfer rumours with cryptic tweet

Sunday, 04 April 2021 at 09:16

byRugby Rucker

Planet Rugby reported in January that England prop Joe Marler 'requested a transfer’ away from Harlequins.

The loosehead fuelled rumours of a possible shock exit yesterday with his tweet directed at Quins head of recruitment Ed Spokes.

Following confirmation that club legend Mike Brown will be leaving the club for Newcastle Falcons this summer, Marler tweeted using the hashtag ##ESIAB.

Fans have speculated that this stands for Ed Spokes is a b**tard, and Brown seemed to confirm their assumptions with his reply.

Brown wrote: "Thank you mate. And yes I agree with your # he is and not only him."

DID YOU KNOW? He isn’t technically a one-club man. After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing

Warren Gatland names O’Driscoll in his top five Lions of all-time

#1. Gareth Edwards (Wales)

GATLAND SAID: "To me, he is probably the greatest halfback we've seen in the game. He was quick, intelligent and scored a lot of tries."

In 2003, in a poll of international rugby players conducted by magazine, Edwards was declared the greatest player of all time.

Rugby World

#2. JPR Williams (Wales)

GATLAND SAID: "He was incredibly tough, even though he was a fullback he probably could have played in the forwards. He definitely put his body on the line."

DID YOU KNOW? An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Williams has continued to be involved in rugby since retirement

#3. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

GATLAND SAID: "In his prime, he was absolutely outstanding in terms of his rugby knowledge and leadership. He was always able to make players around him look better than they were."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the 8th-highest try scorer in international rugby union history, and the highest scoring centre of all time

#4. Martin Johnson (England)

GATLAND SAID: "An unbelievable leader. Probably the most competitive player I've ever come across. Very tough and loved a challenge."

DID YOU KNOW? Martin Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler

#5. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

GATLAND SAID: “The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with was Lawrence Dallaglio.

“He had that unbelievable ability to motivate players in a way that I’ve never seen anyone else able to do. Particularly in the changing rooms,” Gatland explained.

“He’d talk the talk and then walk the walk. I’ve so much admiration for his leadership and honesty in that role.”