Joe Marler decides to hang up his boots after Harlequins match on Friday
The 34-year-old prop retired from international rugby three and a half weeks ago.
www.independent.co.ukHere’s the latest on Joe Marler as of early May 2026:
- Recent activity: In 2025 he shifted into media and welfare roles related to rugby, including hosting a YouTube series and taking on a player-welfare focused role with England, signaling a move away from on-field play [source-like summaries from 2025 coverage]. This marks a transition from front-line rugby to behind-the-scenes work supporting players’ wellbeing.[2][3]
- Public appearances and interviews: He has continued to speak publicly about mental health and life after professional rugby, leveraging his platform to promote CALM and other mental health initiatives, which aligns with his long-standing advocacy in the sport.[4][7]
- International and club status: By late 2024 he had retired from international rugby, with ongoing involvement in Harlequins-related activities and broader rugby roles, while not actively playing at the top level.[8][9]
Illustration: A typical path for former elite players today includes transitioning to media, advocacy, and welfare roles, enabling them to influence the sport off the pitch while staying connected to the rugby community.
If you’d like, I can pull more precise, up-to-date snippets from reputable outlets and provide direct citations.