Harlequins statement: Joe Marler's immediate-effect retirement

Joe Marler has followed his recent retirement from Test rugby with England by confirming that he will also retire from playing for Harlequins following Friday night’s Gallagher Premiership game at home to Bristol.

The 34-year-old confirmed on November 3 that he was calling time on his international career and 24 days later, his club exit from the game has also been announced.

A statement read: “Harlequins prop Joe Marler has today [Wednesday] confirmed he will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect following Friday night’s Gallagher Premiership fixture against Bristol Bears.

“Marler, who turned 34 this summer, will have the opportunity to say farewell to The Stoop faithful at Friday’s fixture after 15 years of service to the club. Marler’s rugby journey began at his local club Eastbourne RFC before joining Harlequins in 2009, where he has gone on to become a club legend and amass 285 appearances and 55 points.

“The loosehead has enjoyed a glittering career at club level that has seen him lift the Premiership trophy twice in 2012 and 2021, where he was named player of the match, as well as a memorable European Challenge Cup title in 2011. The one-club man previously captained Harlequins during the 2014/15 campaign and finished runner up in the European Challenge Cup back in 2016.

 

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“Marler’s decision to retire from professional rugby altogether comes shortly after the announcement of his international retirement with England, where he earned 95 caps and won multiple Six Nations titles (2016, 2017 and 2020).

“He was also an integral member of the squad that finished World Cup runners up in Japan (2019) and third place in France (2023). Having also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and having twice represented the Barbarians in 2019 and 2022, Marler is an icon of both the domestic and international stage.”

Marler said: “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game. On Friday night I will play my last ever match for Quins. After all these happy years, it’s over.

“The most important thing I want to say to our fantastic supporters is thank you. Thank you for your patience and support, when you could easily have turned your back on me. For the kindness you have shown, even when I haven’t deserved it, and for cheering my name… even after I had been banned again.

“I feel lucky to have pulled on the jersey worn by so many idols of mine, and so many better players. That’s an incredible thing to me. I got to stand alongside with so many great players and people that have made this club so special.

“I’ll always be grateful to the club’s owners, Charles and Duncan, for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. See you down the road. We’ll meet again. Although, ideally not in Biarritz in torrential rain.”

Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson added: “Joe should be incredibly proud of his fantastic career. He is a remarkable character on and off the pitch and hugely popular with our supporters.

“In retirement he should rightly be recognised for his outstanding achievements for both club and country. In the modern game, it’s rare that players stay at one club for the duration of their professional career and that can’t be overlooked.

“It speaks volumes of Joe’s connection to the club, it’s staff and the players he has shared the pitch with throughout the years. He is one of rugby’s big characters and will be missed. Everyone at the club wishes Joe, his wife Daisy and their young family the very best in this next chapter.”