Former England rugby player Joe Marler has revealed that he felt he couldn’t keep up physically and mentally with his teammates anymore, leading to his decision to retire from professional rugby in November. The 34-year-old, who earned 95 caps for England and played in three Rugby World Cups, opened up about his retirement on the For the Love of Rugby podcast, explaining that he realised the game had passed him by during a training session in Girona. He described feeling unable to match the energy and drive of the younger players, prompting his decision to step away from the sport.
Marler had previously retired from international rugby in 2018 but made a comeback for the 2019 Rugby World Cup before finally retiring for good last year. Despite being just five caps shy of reaching 100 international appearances, Marler expressed that milestones did not interest him and that he simply wanted to quietly exit the sport without fanfare. Reflecting on his decision, he mentioned how he broke the news to England head coach Steve Borthwick and the mixed emotions surrounding his retirement from both international and club rugby.
After leaving the international stage, Marler had initially planned to continue playing club rugby for the remainder of the season. However, he made the decision to retire earlier than expected from Harlequins as well. Marler admitted that leaving his club was easier than leaving the England setup, as he felt more connected to his international teammates. Reflecting on his final moments at Harlequins, he described a poignant interaction with former Wales prop Adam Jones, who was one of the first to learn of Marler’s decision to retire.
Following his retirement, Marler has transitioned into a new role as the performance director of Team England Rugby Ltd (TER). In this position, he aims to support the England rugby team in various administrative tasks and facilitate communication between different rugby entities. Marler expressed relief after confirming his retirement, highlighting the time he now gets to spend with his family and the fulfilling nature of his new role in rugby administration.
In his new capacity, Marler underlined the importance of looking after players’ welfare and building strong relationships within the rugby community. He emphasised the need for better representation and support for players, especially during transition periods like the end of a campaign or when dealing with injuries. Marler’s candid reflections on his rugby career and his commitment to advocating for player welfare demonstrate his dedication to the sport beyond his playing days.
As Joe Marler navigates this new chapter in his rugby journey, his experiences on and off the field provide valuable insights into the highs and lows of professional sports. From the competitive world of international rugby to the behind-the-scenes work of rugby administration, Marler’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and rewards that come with pursuing a career in elite sports.