Joe Marler to retire with immediate effect after a stellar and entertaining career

One of rugby’s greatest characters, Joe Marler has taken the decision to retire from professional rugby after 15 years at the top of the game. The 34-year-old will hang up his boots for the final time on Friday night as Harlequins take on Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership.

A statement released by Harlequins reads:

Marler’s rugby journey began at his local club Eastbourne RFC before joining Harlequins in 2009, where he has gone on to become a club legend and amass 285 appearances and 55 points.

The loosehead has enjoyed a glittering career at club level that has seen him lift the Premiership trophy twice in 2012 and 2021, where he was named Player of the Match, as well as a memorable European Challenge Cup title in 2011.

The one-club man previously captained Harlequins during the 2014/15 campaign and finished runner up in the European Challenge Cup back in 2016.

Marler’s decision to retire from professional rugby altogether comes shortly after the announcement of his international retirement with England, where he earned 95 caps and won multiple 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).

Having also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and having twice represented the Barbarians in 2019 and 2022, Marler is an icon of both the domestic and international stage.

“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,” said Marler.

“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.”

Head Coach, Danny Wilson said: “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.”