Joe Marler ends retirement speculation by re-signing with Harlequins

Marler  - PA
Marler - PA

England prop Joe Marler has ended any lingering speculation surrounding his impending retirement from rugby by signing a new, “long-term” contract with Harlequins.

Marler had reportedly grown disillusioned with the sport after being handed a 10-week ban for grabbing the genitals of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones during England’s 33-30 victory at Twickenham.

However, the 29 year-old, who has 71 England caps and was a British and Irish Lions tourist in 2017, has committed to the club he first represented in 2009.

“I am a Harlequin, and I love the club,” said Marler, whose previous contract was due to expire in 2021. “Growing up with Harlequins as my boyhood team, I remember getting thrown out of The Stoop as a fan when I was 12 because I had tried to run on the pitch.

“Now I get the chance to continue my journey with great friends, teammates, coaches, and fans, without getting thrown out... yet! “I’m immensely proud to have played for Quins over 200 times so far, I even managed to convince one of the previous bosses [Conor O’Shea] to make me captain once!

“Even more so during this pandemic affecting every single one of us, I cannot wait for my next opportunity to pull on the jersey, run out at The Stoop and welcome back the Quins family.”

Two months ago, Eddie Jones revealed that he had been in touch with Marler in the early stages of lockdown and said that the front-rower could aim to emulate Tendai Mtawarira, who won Rugby World Cup 2019 with South Africa at the age of 34.

Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard certainly seemed keen for Marler, who will be available to play when rugby resumes following its Covid-19 hiatus, to be a central figure in his club’s future plans.

“It is outstanding news that Joe has committed his long-term future to the club,” he said. “He is, without doubt, one of the best props in world rugby; and arguably the very best scrummaging loosehead prop in the modern era.”