Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 34-year-old England prop has won 95 international caps but has decided to end his top-flight career.
Marler played in the 2015 World Cup, reached the 2019 World Cup finals and the 2023 semifinals. He was also selected to represent the British & Irish Lions on tour to New Zealand in 2017.
He was part of coach Steve Borthwick’s squad for the Autumn Nations Series, but left camp on Monday ahead of the game. Lost to New Zealand at Twickenham He has revealed that he will not be returning to the national team due to personal reasons, but will continue to play for Harlequins until the end of the season.
“This time it’s real,” he said. “It’s time for me to move on, it’s finally time to hang up my England rugby boots.
“I am very sad, but I am also very proud to have been given the chance to represent England over the years and have many fond memories of wearing the white shirt.
“I’ve been really, really lucky to have had the highs and lows of wearing an England shirt and I’ll cherish every one of them because they’re all important.
As a true England rugby fan, I can’t wait to sit back and enjoy what’s next for this England team, along with all of you. Thank you for everything. ”
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