Jones backs Marler on dropping out of England’s Six Nations squad
Eddie Jones insists Joe Marler will still be considered for future selection despite withdrawing from England’s Guinness Six Nations squad to be with his family during the coronavirus pandemic.
Marler was named in the 28-stronggroupthathasgathered at St George’s Park, but pulled out earlier this week with the defending champions set to spend two months in their bubble environment, leaving camp only during the fallow weeks.
The Harlequins prop chose not to tour Australia in 2016 following a turbulent season and two years later he announced his international retirement, only to reverse thedecisionaheadofthe2019 World Cup.
“Joe has made a decision thatwe100percentsupport,” Jones said at the virtual Six Nations launch.
“Whenhedecidestomake himselfavailableagainwewill haveanotherlookatselection. And that’s how we look at it – 100percent.Noifsorbuts,it’s as clear as day.
“There will be some time in the future when he’s ready to come back and will get selected. We’ll take that when it comes.
“Joehasbeenanoutstanding player during my time with England and I’m sure he was outstanding before that.
“He is tough, abrasive, a good defender, a great guy off the field. He’s a bit nutty, but we like that, it’s good to have characters like that in the squad.”
Marler is one of three seniorforwardstodropoutofthe squad, joining Joe Launchbury and Sam Underhill on the unavailable list. Launchbury has a stress fracture of his tibia and Underhill is struggling with a hip issue.