Joe Marler Reflects on Transformative Moment with Jonny May in Dressing Room

Former England rugby player Joe Marler shared heartfelt reflections on his transition away from the sport he dearly misses. During a recent episode of the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, Marler expressed his feelings to fellow teammates James Haskell and Jonny May, as well as host Alex Payne.

Career Reflections: Leaving Harlequins and England

At 35 years old, Marler discussed the challenges that prompted his retirement. He revealed that his passion for playing had dwindled, stating, “I got to a point in my career where I absolutely loved playing for England, and the club team that I was part of.” However, many of his teammates had moved on, leading to isolation as he felt disengaged from younger players.

Marler candidly described feeling like “the old f* in the corner” and realized he was negatively affecting the team spirit. “It sort of really dawned on me that I was poisoning the changing room,” he reflected. Acknowledging his situation, he decided to retire from rugby, believing that his time was up. “I need to get out of this,” he concluded.

Changes Over Time

Jonny May, another former England teammate, remarked on how Marler’s character evolved over the years. He recalled a moment when he told Marler, “You’ve changed,” indicating a shift in both his personality and playing style. Marler acknowledged the need to take his career more seriously, which coincided with his time in the England setup.

• Marler’s involvement statistics: 70% carries or attacking, 30% rucks.
• Importance of adapting his playing style to focus on scrums.
• Change in mindset towards more serious rugby commitment.

As Marler matured, he embraced the importance of adapting to remain relevant in the sport. “You get to a point where, if you want to become taken more seriously, you’ve got to adapt and change,” he stated.

The Journey of Growth

May and Marler noted that growing up in the rugby environment shaped their careers. May described how both players experienced a drift before reconnecting as they matured. “It’s funny seeing the boys now,” he noted, reflecting on the younger generation’s journey of development, much like their own.

• Young players like Pollock enjoying their time—similar to Marler’s and May’s earlier experiences.
• Importance of personal and gameplay development over time.

Marler’s story resonates with many athletes facing similar transitions. His insights into personal growth in rugby highlight the significance of adapting to changes both on and off the field.