Joe Marler might be known for his outlandish sense of humor, but when it comes to retirement, he’s serious.

With a few jokes here and there, he’s navigating the big transition from the rugby pitch to life beyond the sport.

Deciding It Was Time

During a training camp in Girona, Spain, the realization hit Joe Marler hard.

He was drained, both physically and emotionally, and knew deep down that the game had passed him by.

The moment he sat in the sun after the final training session and thought, “I can’t do this anymore,” he knew his career with England was coming to an end.

The hardest part? Facing his daughter Maggie, who couldn’t understand why her dad had to keep leaving.

“It’s my job,” he told her, but the decision to walk away wasn’t just about that.

It was about finding peace with himself and his family.

After deciding he was done, Marler met with England coach Steve Borthwick.

He made sure to speak to him in person, respecting their relationship.

Borthwick offered one more game, against South Africa, but Marler had already made up his mind.

The moment he shared with teammate Dan Cole, crying in his arms, was the emotional release he needed to confirm that it was the right call.

Back to Ordinary Life

Back at home, Marler’s new normal is far from boring.

With four kids, three dogs, and a tortoise that was supposed to be small but will grow to two-and-a-half feet, there’s never a dull moment.

And while the family was enjoying a pool day, Marler recalled nearly drowning years ago with his son, reminding him that some things never change.

His quirky sense of humor was also on display when he posted a controversial tweet about the Haka, stirring things up in the rugby world.

But it was all part of Marler’s larger mission to break down the barriers and bring a little more entertainment into the sport.

Stirring the Pot and Speaking His Mind

Marler’s comments on the Haka led to a phone call with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

While it sparked some controversy, Marler stood by his opinion that the pre-game ritual needed more drama to make it even more entertaining.

“The sport needs to learn how to sell itself better,” he says, pointing to boxing and the way personalities like Tyson Fury and Eddie Hearn have brought excitement to the sport.

And while he joked about Eddie Hearn becoming the next CEO of the RFU, Marler sees the potential for rugby to grow through thinking outside the box.

Reflections on His Time with Eddie Jones

Reflecting on his long career under Eddie Jones, Marler recalls fondly the Australian coach, despite the occasional tough moments.

Jones was known for his tough-love approach, and while some of his methods were controversial, Marler believes the coach’s success is undeniable.

“Eddie got a lot of things right,” he says, especially considering his impressive win record.

Marler acknowledges the challenge of playing under Jones but is clear that their relationship has remained strong through the years.

A Future Beyond Rugby

As Marler looks ahead to life after rugby, he’s thinking about what will give him purpose once he’s no longer on the field.

After 17 years of being told when and where to show up, he’s now trying to figure out what comes next.

While he’s unsure of his next move, podcasting has been one outlet he’s found, and he’s grateful for everything rugby has given him, despite the rebellious moments.

Marler’s journey hasn’t been one of conventionality, and that’s what makes him such a compelling figure.

Whether it’s shaking up rugby’s toxic masculinity, advocating for mental health, or simply being his unapologetic self, Marler has earned a reputation for being anything but ordinary.

Life After the Rugby Bubble

The thought of stepping outside the rugby world completely is daunting for Marler.

While he jokes about appearing on shows like Strictly Come Dancing or I’m a Celebrity, he knows the risk of being publicly scrutinized.

Still, he’s open to new experiences.

As his playing career at Harlequins nears its end, Marler is beginning to prepare for the next phase, unsure of exactly what it will look like but ready for the challenge.

Marler’s story is one of reinvention.

Whether he’s throwing a jab at the traditional rugby culture or contemplating life after the pitch, he’s ready to face what comes next—on his own terms.

As for his retirement, it’s not the end. It’s just another chapter in the life of one of rugby’s most intriguing characters.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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