England’s Joe Marler enjoyed a successful international rugby career, making 95 appearances and being part of the team that reached the 2019 World Cup final.
His announcement comes just hours after Steve Borthwick’s side suffered a late defeat against New Zealand in a dramatic Test match at Twickenham.
But in reality the shaping of the contest was dominated by Marler’s comments about the All Blacks’ pre-match Haka ritual, which saw the Harlequins star call for a ‘binning’.
Mahler, who is currently absent from the England squad for personal reasons, refused to apologize but deleted his X account before reappearing on the platform hours later. But on Thursday evening he refuted those comments and expressed regret.
While the furor appears to have subsided, the 34-year-old has now retired from international rugby, with the popular figure releasing a video on social media to announce his decision.
England’s Joe Marler has called time on a successful international rugby career.
He said: ‘It’s time to move on. The time has finally come to hang up your England rugby boots.
He has played in three World Cups, including the 2019 edition in Japan where Eddie Jones’ side reached the final.
He said, ‘Hello everyone. It’s really fast for me. I know we’ve done a lot of this before, so we had to wax it lyrically, but this time it’s real work, so it’s a little weird.
‘It’s time to move on. The time has finally come to hang up your England rugby boots.
‘I’m very sad but I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to represent England for so many years. And I have so many fond memories of wearing the white shirt.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to experience both the highs and lows in an England shirt. I will cherish them all because they are all precious.
‘I just wanted to say thank you for your support over the years. Now I’d like to sit down with you and enjoy watching this England team move forward as a true England rugby fan.
‘Thank you for everything. goodbye.’
Mahler laughed jokingly. ‘You would have thought Colley (Dan Cole) would have gone before me. ‘What would I do without Colley (Dan Cole)?’
The prop made his first appearance for England under new coach Stuart Lancaster on the 2012 summer tour of South Africa.
The prop made his first appearance for England under new coach Stuart Lancaster during the 2012 summer tour of South Africa.
Marler started in the Harlequins team that beat Exeter Chiefs 40-38 in a memorable Premiership final in 2021.
At the last World Cup in 2023, England made a surprise semifinal appearance, with veterans playing in every match except the bronze medal match.
He has played in three World Cups, including the 2019 edition in Japan where Eddie Jones’ side reached the final.
Mahler played in the 69th minute of England’s famous victory over New Zealand in that year’s semi-final.
He entered the fray in the 45th minute of the team’s heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the final as Jones attempted to add more weight to a struggling scrum.
At the last World Cup in 2023, England made a surprise semifinal appearance, with veterans playing in every match except the bronze medal match.
Marler featured in the squad that toured New Zealand with the 2017 British and Irish Lions.
In his video, he references previous attempts at retirement, including ending his career in 2018 and returning for the World Cup the following year.
A one-club man, Mahler joined the academy in 2008 and was captain in the 2014-15 season, making 285 appearances for Harlequins.
He started in the side that beat Exeter Chiefs 40-38 in a memorable Premiership final in 2021. This was Mahler’s second title and the highest scoring final in history.
Marler has been hitting the headlines in recent days thanks to his comments on the haka that highlighted England’s performance in the Autumn International home game against New Zealand.
Marler’s original post reads: ‘Haka needs binning. ‘It doesn’t make sense.’
After his first comment, he clarified his meaning by saying: ‘It’s good to see the team actually coming forward with some kind of answer. Just like the league boys did last week.’
Marler appeared to have deleted his ‘Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun to generate interest in the huge game of rugby. A bit of a wild reaction.’
He then added, ‘I also needed it to satisfy my narcissism.’
His criticism of the pre-match ritual sparked outrage in New Zealand, with Māori cultural adviser Dr Karaitiana Taiuru telling Kiwi news outlet Stuff: Every rugby player lacks cultural understanding and open-mindedness.’
In his video, he references previous attempts to retire, including ending his career in 2018 to compete in the World Cup the following year.
The 34-year-old hit the headlines after claiming the ‘ridiculous’ haka ‘needs binning’.
In New Zealand, Mahler’s comments about ceremonial dance were criticized.
England lost 22-24 against New Zealand in their first match of the fall international tournament.
Meanwhile, Regulation Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour launched a savage attack on the 34-year-old.
‘In my experience I’ve met a few props with very high IQs, but they were very few,’ he said. ‘So there might be something in that area.’
England took part in an entertaining Test match on Saturday after paying tribute to the Haka, with the All Blacks winning 24-22.
