35 Facts About Joe Marler

Early Life and Rugby Beginnings

Joe Marler's journey to rugby stardom began in his hometown of Eastbourne, England. His early years were marked by a deep passion for the sport, which would eventually lead him to the highest levels of competition.

1. Joe Marler was born on July 7, 1990, in Eastbourne, England.
2. He attended Maynards Green Primary School and Heathfield Community College.
3. Marler began playing rugby at the age of 11 for Eastbourne Sharks.
4. His first club was Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex, where he played alongside Billy Twelvetrees.

Rise Through the Ranks

Marler's talent quickly became evident, and he soon found himself climbing the ranks in the rugby world. His dedication and hard work paid off as he moved from local clubs to professional teams.

5. In 2008, Joe Marler joined the Harlequins Academy.
6. During his time in the academy, he spent periods on loan to Esher and Worthing.
7. Marler made his first team debut for Harlequins in the 2009-2010 season.

International Career

Marler's skills on the field caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his debut for the England national team. His international career has been filled with memorable moments and significant achievements.

8. Joe Marler made his senior international debut for England on June 9, 2012, against South Africa.
9. He has held captaincy roles both at Harlequins and England.
10. Marler led the team out on his 50th cap against Scotland in the 2017 Six Nations Championship.

Club Success with Harlequins

Marler's contributions to Harlequins have been instrumental in the club's success. His leadership and skills have helped the team secure multiple titles.

11. Marler helped Harlequins win the Premiership title in 2012 and again in 2021.
12. The 2021 victory was notable as it came in the highest-scoring Premiership final ever.

Achievements with England

Marler has been a key player for the England national team, contributing to several championship victories and memorable matches.

13. Marler was part of the England teams that won the Six Nations Championship in 2016, 2017, and 2020.
14. He also won the Autumn Nations Cup in 2020.
15. Marler was part of the England team that finished runner-up in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Personal Life and Challenges

Beyond the rugby field, Marler has faced personal challenges and has been open about his struggles, particularly with mental health. His honesty has helped raise awareness and reduce stigma.

16. Joe Marler is married to Daisy Marler, and they have four children: Pixie, Maggie, Felix, and Jasper.
17. Marler has been open about his struggles with mental health, which was the subject of a 2021 Sky Sports documentary titled Big Boys Don't Cry.

Disciplinary Issues

Marler's career has not been without controversy. He has faced disciplinary actions for his conduct on the field, which have sometimes overshadowed his achievements.

18. In April 2016, Marler received a two-match ban and £20,000 fine for using unsporting and discriminatory language towards Samson Lee.
19. In December 2022, he received a six-week ban (four of them suspended) for conduct prejudicial to the game involving insulting language used in an incident with Bristol Bears flanker Jake Heenan.

Media and Celebrity Appearances

Marler's personality and charisma have made him a popular figure beyond rugby. He has appeared on various media platforms, engaging with a broader audience.

20. Marler wrote a book titled Loose Head, Confessions of an (un)professional rugby player in 2020.
21. He hosts the podcast "Joe Marler's Things People Do," previously known as "The Joe Marler Show".
22. Marler has appeared as a celebrity panellist on BBC One's gameshow The Wheel in November 2021 and the 2023 Christmas special.
23. In 2022, he featured in an advert for condom brand Durex.
24. In 2023, Marler announced he had created an OnlyFans account where subscribers could purchase pictures of his feet.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Marler's career statistics reflect his impact on the field. His achievements with both Harlequins and England highlight his contributions to the sport.

25. Marler has played over 150 games for Harlequins and earned 90 caps for England.
26. His career statistics include 35 tries, with a win percentage of 60.41 in all matches and 73.33 in Five/Six Nations matches.

Memorable Matches and Moments

Throughout his career, Marler has been part of many memorable matches. These moments have defined his legacy and showcased his resilience and determination.

27. Marler was part of the England squad that participated in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
28. In 2016, he came off the bench in the concluding game of the Six Nations Championship as England defeated France to achieve their first grand slam in over a decade.
29. Marler has spoken about the toughest match of his career, a Premiership semi-final against Bristol in 2021.
30. His favorite match was also the Bristol semi-final in 2021, where Harlequins made an incredible comeback.

Personal Reflections and Advice

Marler's experiences have shaped his perspective on rugby and life. He often shares his insights and advice with young players, emphasizing the importance of hard work and enjoyment.

31. Marler particularly enjoys Argentina, praising the steak and wine as the best in the world.
32. He has fond memories of his time at Heathfield Community College and influential teachers like Mr. Robinson and Mr. Moore.
33. Marler advises young players to believe in themselves and their abilities, emphasizing that hard work will eventually pay off.

Community Involvement and Legacy

Marler's commitment to his community and his legacy in rugby extend beyond his on-field achievements. His involvement in various activities and his openness about personal struggles have made a lasting impact.

34. Marler and his wife, Daisy, have chosen to stay in Heathfield due to their love for the countryside and the friends they have in the area.
35. Marler has been involved in various community activities, including supporting equality charities.

Joe Marler: A Rugby Icon

Joe Marler's journey from a young player at Eastbourne Sharks to a rugby legend is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to Harlequins and the England national team has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Premiership titles and Six Nations Championships. Marler's leadership on the field, coupled with his openness about mental health struggles, makes him a relatable and admirable figure.

His contributions extend beyond the pitch, with his book, podcast, and media appearances showcasing his multifaceted personality. Marler's commitment to his roots in Heathfield and his involvement in community activities further highlight his character.

Whether it's his memorable matches, leadership roles, or personal anecdotes, Joe Marler's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and passion. His legacy in rugby will continue to inspire future generations, proving that with determination and heart, anything is possible.