Social media reacts to Joe Marler confirming his retirement from international rugby

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Wednesday, 26 September 2018 at 18:39

bySteven Smith

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England prop Joe Marler says he is retiring from international rugby at the age of 28 to spend more time with his family.

"Being with England you have to spend an incredible amount of time away and I could not do that any more," he said.

"It is an incredible commitment to play rugby for England and I strongly believe that if you are unable to give yourself fully to it then it is time to step away - otherwise it would not be fair on the team, or my family.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and of course this has been a very difficult decision to make."

Here's how social media has reacted:

Alex Shaw

@alexshawsport

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Quite the blow if the Joe Marler international retirement news is accurate. Underrated at his best and a lightning rod for criticism during dips in form, he’s really been very solid for England. Competition to back-up Mako is wide open.

4:28 PM · Sep 26, 2018

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Jim White

@JimWhite

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Big rugby news to be confirmed tonight - @EnglandRugby prop forward Joe Marler retires from international rugby - at the age of 28.

4:48 PM · Sep 26, 2018

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SparkyBorderTerrier

@LordSparky

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Replying to @alexspinksport

Tell me it’s not true! Love Marler great character great player. He’ll be missed but I’m sure he’s gotta do what’s best on a personal level. Best of luck @JoeMarler

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4:42 PM · Sep 26, 2018

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RugbyInsideLine

@RugbyInsideLine

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Apparently Marler’s decision is based on the amount of time that England duty consumes and being away from home. That’s fair enough when you have a young family. Fair play to him.

5:30 PM · Sep 26, 2018

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