England star announces shock retirement from Tests
NEWS: Harlequins prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby in order to spend more time with his family.
Marler, 28, won 59 caps for his country having made his debut in 2012 against South Africa.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and of course this has been a very difficult decision to make, but I have decided to retire from playing international rugby with immediate effect to spend more time with my family,” said Marler.
“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. Being with England you have to spend an incredible amount of time away and I could not do that anymore.
“So now is the time to walk away and get some new blood in the team and I am looking forward to being able to give my wife and children more of my time.
“I would like to thank everyone at England for the opportunities that I have been given. I will always be grateful for the memories playing for my country has given me.”
“We’ve really enjoyed him playing for the team – he’s an honest hardworking player.”
Eddie Jones on @JoeMarler‘s decision to end his international career 🤝 pic.twitter.com/eO1e8z4Djx
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 26, 2018
His final Test also came against the Springboks, playing in June’s 25-10 victory in Cape Town.
Marler played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the following season was part of the England squad that won the Grand Slam. He played a key part as the side went a year unbeaten, eventually matching New Zealand’s world record of 18 matches without defeat.
He also helped the side win back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2016 and 2017.
Speaking of Marler’s decision, England head coach Eddie Jones said: “I’m very disappointed for the team.
“Joe has been an integral member since 2015 when I arrived, and obviously before that also.
“In my era we’ve really enjoyed him playing for the team, he is an honest, hard-working player. He has made a decision based on personal grounds and we understand his reasoning. He is a good guy and we will miss him greatly.”
@EnglandRugby
