Joe Marler last represented England in a match against France in March 2022.
Joe Marler confessed his initial hesitation about attending England’s training camp, emphasizing the need for an earnest conversation with Steve Borthwick regarding his Rugby World Cup possibilities.
33-year-old prop Marler is making a comeback 18 months post his last Test match. He acknowledges that it was a candid discussion with head coach Borthwick that prompted him to reconsider his decision.
“I recall our conversation when Steve assumed his role and how he wanted to comprehend my situation,” stated Marler.
“I mentioned my continuous availability, but I also comprehended my subpar performance which did not merit selection.”
Marler in an interaction with Sport Newes Center further elaborated: “I was among the names in the World Cup alignment camps a few months ago.
“But on the eve of the camp, I confessed to my wife Daisy, ‘I am not attending. I doubt my physical readiness.’
“She retorted, ‘Are you joking? You have an opportunity to return, something you have longed for. At least lend an ear to what he proposes.’
“I voiced my concerns in the meeting and stated to Borthwick, I had to personally verify whether you were being truthful to me.
“I needed to discern whether this was a legitimate chance to be a part of his World Cup team or just a request for my assistance in training.
“If it was the latter, I would have had to let go of several things without an assured reward at the end, and there could be other candidates more interested in the experience.
“But if there was a genuine opportunity to be part of the World Cup team, that would be my driving force. I would commit wholeheartedly and give it my all.
“Borthwick assured me, ‘Joe, there is a legitimate chance for you to be part of the team if you put in the effort.’
“He added a caveat, ‘You will have to push yourself, run and keep running.'”
Marler had initially announced his retirement from international rugby in 2018, but reversed his decision a year later for the World Cup in Japan, where he played a crucial role in guiding England to the finals.
Having won 79 caps since his debut in 2012, his international career seemed to have ended as he was not included in the previous summer’s Australia tour, the 2022 autumn campaign, or the recent Six Nations.
Despite no guaranteed selection by Borthwick, Marler praised the England coach’s honesty about his chances of making the final squad, which is to be announced on August 7.
“There are no certainties but he did say that there is a genuine opportunity if I put in the hard work,” Marler added.
“He has been transparent with everyone on the team. He is aware of the confusion that arises when players are kept in the dark by coaches. The need is simple: to know the reality – where I stand and what needs improvement?
“That gives us a target to work towards. Steve has been exceptionally good in that respect.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joe Marler’s Rugby World Cup Chances
When did Joe Marler last play for England?
Joe Marler last played for England in a match against France in March 2022.
Who is Steve Borthwick?
Steve Borthwick is the head coach of the England Rugby team.
Why was Joe Marler reluctant to join England’s training camp?
Joe Marler was initially reluctant to join England’s training camp due to concerns about his physical readiness and uncertainty about his chances of making the Rugby World Cup team.
What changed Joe Marler’s mind about rejoining the team?
A candid conversation with head coach Steve Borthwick reassured Joe Marler that there was a genuine opportunity for him to be part of the World Cup team, which motivated him to rejoin the training camp.
When did Marler initially retire from international rugby, and why did he return?
Marler first retired from international rugby in 2018. He reversed his decision a year later for the World Cup in Japan, playing a crucial role in England’s journey to the finals.
What are Marler’s chances of making the final squad for the World Cup?
While there are no guaranteed selections, Marler has been told by head coach Steve Borthwick that there is a genuine opportunity for him to make the final squad if he works hard.
When will the final squad for the World Cup be announced?
The final squad for the Rugby World Cup is to be announced on August 7, 2023.
3 comments
man, can’t believe Marler’s thinkin bout comin back! He was a beast in the last World Cup, hope he makes it!
Gotta say, Steve Borthwick seems like a straight shooter… good to see coaches bein honest with their players.
Seriously? Marler back in the game! Can’t wait to see him on the field again!