Marler earned 95 caps for England and won three Six Nations titles (2016, 2017 and 2020). He was also an integral member of the squad that finished World Cup runners up in Japan (2019) and third place in France (2023)
Joe Marler has announced he will retire from professional rugby after Harlequins’ match against Bristol Bears on Friday evening.
The 34-year-old earned 95 caps for England and won three Six Nations titles (2016, 2017 and 2020). He was also an integral member of the squad that finished World Cup runners up in Japan (2019) and third place in France (2023).
Marler has spent the entirety of his playing career at the Stoop and has been part of two Premiership triumphs, the first coming in 2012 and the second in 2021. His exploits at club and international level have also seen him selected for the British and Irish Lions tours of New Zealand back in 2017.
Only recently did Marler confirm he was calling time on his England career, but just weeks later has opted to hang up his boots across all formats with this Friday’s Premiership encounter his last.
Marler said: “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game. On Friday night I’ll play my last ever match for Quins. After all these happy years, it’s over.
“The most important thing I want to say to our fantastic supporters is thank you. Thank you for your patience and support, when you could easily have turned your back on me. For the kindness you’ve shown, even when I haven’t deserved it, and for cheering my name…even after I’d been banned again.
“I feel lucky to have pulled on the jersey worn by so many idols of mine, and so many better players. That’s an incredible thing to me. I got to stand alongside with so many great players and people that have made this club so special.
“I’ll always be grateful to the Club’s owners, Charles and Duncan, for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. See you down the road. We’ll meet again. Although, ideally not in Biarritz in torrential rain.”
Quins head coach Danny Wilson added: “Joe should be incredibly proud of his fantastic career. He’s a remarkable character on and off the pitch and hugely popular with our supporters. In retirement he should rightly be recognised for his outstanding achievements for both club and country.
“In the modern game, it’s rare that players stay at one club for the duration of their professional career and that can’t be overlooked. It speaks volumes of Joe’s connection to the Club, it’s staff and the players he’s shared the pitch with throughout the years.
“He’s one of rugby’s big characters and will be missed. Everyone at the Club wishes Joe, his wife Daisy and their young family the very best in this next chapter.”
