Committed Marler happy to be back in the 'horrific' Test arena

JOE MARLER has perhaps learned the hard way how to put his health and his family ahead of his love for the "horrific" yet compelling challenge of Test rugby.

- Nick Purewal

The Harlequins loose-head prop retired from the Test arena in 2018, was later tempted back for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, then found himself out of the picture in the early stages of 2022.

None of those experiences on the field, nor the family-led decisions to step back from the Test frontline, would have built up a picture of a Marler itching to go to the 2023 World Cup. But then Steve Borthwick overhauled the England set-up, and Marler found himself not just back in demand, but back with his interest piqued again.

Marler has found an England set-up so much more open than in previous years that he has told Borthwick he is ready to adopt whatever role England need from him. "Whatever role this squad, Steve and the coaches need me to play, I'm here," said Marler. "I've spoken to all of you [reporters] and you've had to listen loads of times about my troubles with leaving home and the stuff I've struggled with around my mental health in the past.