Joe Marler announces retirement from international rugby
The 34-year-old player from Eastbourne says he wants to prioritise his family.
England prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby.
The 34-year-old was a member of Steve Borthwick's squad for the Autumn Nations Series but left the camp on Monday for personal reasons and has now revealed he will be retiring after 95 caps for England.
He has confirmed he will continue playing for Harlequins until the end of the season.
"Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble," he said on Instagram.
He continued: "I can't do what I used to do as well as I once could. I can't keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are."
It's the second time that Marler has retired having reversed his decision in 2018 to step away from the Test arena.
The Sussex-born player has spoken openly about his mental health struggles and it was his battle with depression that convinced him to retire in 2018.
He made the news last week after posting on social media that the "ridiculous" Haka should be "binned" ahead of England's tie against New Zealand.
Marler subsequently apologised for the remarks and stated that he was just trying to "spark interest in a mega rugby fixture."
Marler also said on Instagram: "So I'm incredibly grateful I got to play 95 times for my country. I have to pinch myself. Did I really do that?"
He'll see out the season at Harlequins at which point he will also retire from the club game and continue his role in assisting with the development of young props.