Dan Cole Surprised by Joe Marler’s Early Retirement

Dan Cole expressed surprise at Joe Marler’s recent decision to retire from international rugby especially as Marler was nearing his 100th cap milestone. Marler, 34 battled back from a foot injury sustained in a match against New Zealand in July to join England’s Autumn Nations Series squad. However, the Harlequins prop withdrew from the squad for personal reasons last week and announced his retirement on Sunday, ending his England career with 95 caps.

Cole, 37 reflected on Marler’s decision, noting that while he sensed retirement was approaching as they both aged, he thought Marler might hold on for 100 caps. “Did I think he would go last Sunday? No,” he said, adding that Marler’s decision to retire on his own terms was a positive one. Although Marler did not play in England’s opening Autumn Nations Series loss to New Zealand, he drew attention by criticizing the traditional haka, calling it “ridiculous” and suggesting it should be “binned.”

In his retirement announcement, Marler shared that he had told Cole first with the pair sharing an emotional exchange. Cole acknowledged missing Marler in the squad, describing their friendship as rooted in their shared values despite their different personalities. Reflecting on their time together, Cole highlighted a memorable moment from England’s World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa in 2023 where they held their own against the powerful South African scrum.

In Marler’s absence, uncapped Sale Sharks prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has joined the England squad, potentially making his debut in the upcoming Test against Australia. Dan Cole emphasized that Opoku-Fordjour shouldn’t feel pressured to replace Marler directly, instead urging him to bring his own personality and style to the squad.