Joe Marler: The Maverick Prop’s Journey from Pitch Controversies to Post-Rugby Reinvention
LONDON, 17 January 2026 – Joe Marler’s name has long been synonymous with ferocious scrummaging, unwavering loyalty to Harlequins, and a disciplinary record that often overshadowed his considerable on-field achievements. The former England loosehead prop, who retired from all rugby in late 2024, carved out a legacy as one of the sport’s most compelling and complex characters. Now, over a year into his post-playing career, his journey from the front row to television screens and a performance role with England Rugby reveals a figure continually reinventing himself.
A Storied Yet Stormy Career
Joseph William George Marler’s professional journey was defined by both excellence and controversy. Born on 7 July 1990, he joined the Harlequins academy in 2008, making his first-team debut the following season. He became a cornerstone of the Quins pack, making 285 appearances and winning two Premiership titles (2012, 2021) and a European Challenge Cup (2011). His final club match was an emotional farewell at The Stoop against Bristol Bears on 27 November 2024.
At international level, Marler earned 95 caps for England between 2012 and 2024. He was part of three Six Nations-winning sides, including the 2016 Grand Slam, and played in two Rugby World Cup finals, finishing as a runner-up in 2019. He also toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions in 2017.
A Catalogue of Controversy
Marler’s career was punctuated by high-profile disciplinary breaches that led to multiple bans and fines, sparking widespread debate about on-field conduct.
| Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|
| March 2016: Used discriminatory language towards Wales prop Samson Lee during a Six Nations match. | Two-match ban and a £20,000 fine. |
| March 2020: Grabbed Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’s genitals during a Six Nations fixture. | Ten-week match ban (served during the coronavirus lockdown period). |
| December 2022: Directed insulting language about the mother of Bristol Bears flanker Jake Heenan, who was in hospital at the time. | Six-week ban (with four weeks suspended). Public and private apologies issued. |
Marler later reflected that his anxiety about leaving for England camps sometimes manifested in self-sabotaging behaviour on the pitch, though he clarified he never deliberately sought a ban. The 2022 incident drew particularly sharp criticism from his wife, Daisy, who he said called him a “moron” for his actions.
The Haka Backlash and International Retirement
In October 2024, weeks before hanging up his boots, Marler sparked an international row after posting on social media that New Zealand’s haka was “ridiculous” and “needs binning.” The comments were criticised by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and cultural commentators for lacking appreciation. Marler later apologised, stating his “poorly articulated” tweet was meant to debate the restrictions on responses to the ritual, not to show malice.
He announced his retirement from England duty on 3 November 2024, followed by his club retirement later that month, stating a desire to prioritise his family and preserve the memories of his career.
Life After Rugby: Traitors, Podcasts and Performance
Since retirement, Marler has remained in the public eye. In 2025, he was a contestant on the BBC reality series *The Celebrity Traitors*, reaching the final round. He also hosts the popular podcast “Things People Do.”
Perhaps more significantly, Marler has transitioned into a behind-the-scenes role within the game. In early 2025, he took on a player welfare and performance position with England Rugby, focusing on workload management and athlete wellbeing—a move informed by his own experiences with the mental and physical demands of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Joe Marler retire?
Joe Marler announced his retirement from international rugby on 3 November 2024. He played his final match for Harlequins on 27 November 2024, retiring from all professional rugby.
What were Joe Marler’s major disciplinary issues?
His most notable bans were for a discriminatory remark to Samson Lee (2016), grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’s genitals (2020), and insulting an opponent’s mother (2022).
What is Joe Marler doing now after rugby?
He appeared on *The Celebrity Traitors* in 2025, hosts a podcast, and holds a player welfare and performance role with England Rugby, focusing on athlete wellbeing.
Was Joe Marler’s Haka comment linked to his retirement?
Reports at the time indicated his decision to retire from England duty was made prior to and was unrelated to his controversial tweet about the haka in October 2024.