MARLER KEY TO JONES JOURNEY
EDDIE Jones will sit down with Joe Marler to try to persuade the disillusioned prop to carry on in rugby when the lockdown restrictions are eased. Marler, who came out of Test retirement to resume his international career in 2019, was reported to be considering quitting the professional game for good at 29 after being handed a ten-week ban for groping Alun Wyn Jones in England’s win over against Wales last month.
But the England coach, who last week signed a contract extension through to the 2023 World Cup, wants Marler on the journey with him and intends to use Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira as an example of what could lie ahead if he recommits.
England are well-stocked at loose-head with Mako Vunipola and Ellis Genge but Marler is the best pure scrummager of the lot.
And ‘The Beast’
Mtawarira showed in destroying England in theworld Cup final how valuable a setpiece asset can still be.
“You only have to look at The Beast, who was at his best in theworld Cup in
2019 at the age of 34,” said Jones.
“Joe is a relatively young man with a lot of rugby ahead of him but you have to have the desire to keep playing.
Only Joe knows that.
“At the end of the day, he is a great player but we want players who want to play for England. He will make that decision. I look forward to having a chat with him at the appropriate time.”
The Harlequins prop argued at his hearing three weeks ago that tweaking the testicles of thewales captain Jones did not deserve a red card.
But the panel hearing the case disagreed and banned him until June 8. Ironically Marler may end up missing no rugby at all while suspended because of a shutdown that could run and run.