Princess Anne thought he was Joe Marler — Heyes on royal mix-up before Scotland clash
Joe Heyes said Princess Anne stopped him during the Calcutta Cup presentation at Murrayfield and told him he was "awfully funny on TV, " having mistaken him for joe marler ahead of England's Six Nations meeting with Scotland.
Princess Anne mixed him up with Joe Marler at Murrayfield
The Leicester tighthead, 26, described being "a bit starstruck" when the Princess Royal — acting in her role as patron of Scottish Rugby — paused to chat with him during the pre-match introductions at Murrayfield, where England were preparing for Saturday's fixture. Heyes, who was winning his 19th cap for England in that game, said the royal confided she had enjoyed seeing Marler on Celebrity Traitors and told him, "You're awfully funny on TV. " "Who am I to correct her? I didn't really know what to say. I almost went with it, " he added.
England beaten 31-20 and selection changes follow
England's visit to Murrayfield ended in a 31-20 defeat, and the loss prompted head coach Steve Borthwick to make three changes for the next match. Borthwick has named a starting XV for Saturday's clash with Ireland at Allianz Stadium that hands Henry Pollock his first Test start after seven appearances as a replacement. Heyes backed Pollock, saying the 21-year-old provided "a huge amount of energy" and called him "one hell of an athlete. " The next match will also mark Maro Itoje's 100th cap for England on Saturday, a milestone Heyes highlighted as he spoke about life in the front row.
How Celebrity Traitors and retirement made Joe Marler recognisable
The mix-up was tied to Marler's recent television profile: Marler, who retired from rugby in November 2024 after winning 95 caps, appeared on the 's Celebrity Traitors and reached the final round before being voted out. Heyes laughed that he has had people tell him he looks like Marler before, but said the royal case was new territory: "I've had all sorts about me looking like Joe Marler – but not from a royal!" The confusion came during what Heyes nevertheless called "a very cool experience, " adding that meeting the patron of the opposing union is a special moment for players.
The encounter at Murrayfield combined a personal anecdote with the practical business of international rugby: Heyes's 19th cap came in the same match England lost 31-20, and the squad has already been reshuffled ahead of the trip to Allianz Stadium.
England now travels to Allianz Stadium for the scheduled match with Ireland on Saturday, where Henry Pollock will make his first Test start and Maro Itoje will win his 100th cap.
