Former England prop Joe Marler recently shared insights on his decision to retire prematurely from rugby, a choice influenced significantly by an opportunity to participate in Celebrity Traitors. This choice not only marked the end of his illustrious rugby career but also kickstarted a new chapter in his life. Marler, who earned 95 Test caps and was a key player for Harlequins, officially hung up his boots in November 2024, before his contract concluded.
Discussing the physical demands of rugby, Marler acknowledged the toll it had taken on his body, stating it was unsustainable to continue. However, a pivotal moment came when he was presented with a chance to join Celebrity Traitors. "Traitors came up as an opportunity to do but it was during the last year of my contract, so I had to make a decision. I was like, ‘Do I see out my last year or do I just knock it on the head and gamble, and go and try the Traitors?’” he revealed during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.
"You chose the Traitors over finishing the rugby contract?"
When comedian Aisling Bea posed the question, Marler confirmed with a candid, "yeah… it worked out." His stint on the show not only was enjoyable but also opened doors to new possibilities. Reflecting on his post-show journey, Marler expressed, "I had so much fun, mate, and I’ve sort of realized out of all the cast that was part of it, I have probably milked it hard haven’t I? It has changed my life to be fair and I’m just trying to ride that wave for as long as I can until what happens that my wife says is going to happen," adding humorously that his wife advised him to 'make hay while the sun shines because you’ll soon become irrelevant and/or cancelled'—a grounding reminder from his biggest supporter.
Aside from his entertainment ventures, Marler also touched on some serious aspects of his rugby career, particularly concerning concussions. He recounted a harrowing incident involving a collision with Billy Vunipola that led to temporary amnesia. "The next thing I know is I woke up in the physio room and the kit man comes in. He was like, ‘Hi mate, how are you doing?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, are we doing alright’. He said: ‘Na, we’re losing’. Alright, standard. He said: ‘Is Doris here?’ Which is what he called my wife, Daisy. I said: ‘Yeah, I think so’, and he said: ‘What about the kids?’ I said: ‘What?’ And he went, ‘Has she brought the kids up’. I went: ‘What kids?’ I just started bawling my eyes out, I had completely forgotten that I had kids,” shared Marler, highlighting the grave risks associated with the sport.
Joe Marler's journey from the rugby field to television screens is a testament to the unpredictable and often surprising paths athletes' lives can take. His story not only reflects the challenges faced by sports professionals but also their resilience and adaptability in navigating life beyond their sporting careers.
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Former England prop Joe Marler recently shared insights on his decision to retire prematurely from rugby, a choice influenced significantly by an opportunity to participate in Celebrity Traitors. This choice not only marked the end of his illustrious rugby career but also kickstarted a new chapter in his life. Marler, who earned 95 Test caps and was a key player for Harlequins, officially hung up his boots in November 2024, before his contract concluded.
Discussing the physical demands of rugby, Marler acknowledged the toll it had taken on his body, stating it was unsustainable to continue. However, a pivotal moment came when he was presented with a chance to join Celebrity Traitors. "Traitors came up as an opportunity to do but it was during the last year of my contract, so I had to make a decision. I was like, ‘Do I see out my last year or do I just knock it on the head and gamble, and go and try the Traitors?’” he revealed during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.
"You chose the Traitors over finishing the rugby contract?"
When comedian Aisling Bea posed the question, Marler confirmed with a candid, "yeah… it worked out." His stint on the show not only was enjoyable but also opened doors to new possibilities. Reflecting on his post-show journey, Marler expressed, "I had so much fun, mate, and I’ve sort of realized out of all the cast that was part of it, I have probably milked it hard haven’t I? It has changed my life to be fair and I’m just trying to ride that wave for as long as I can until what happens that my wife says is going to happen," adding humorously that his wife advised him to 'make hay while the sun shines because you’ll soon become irrelevant and/or cancelled'—a grounding reminder from his biggest supporter.
Aside from his entertainment ventures, Marler also touched on some serious aspects of his rugby career, particularly concerning concussions. He recounted a harrowing incident involving a collision with Billy Vunipola that led to temporary amnesia. "The next thing I know is I woke up in the physio room and the kit man comes in. He was like, ‘Hi mate, how are you doing?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, are we doing alright’. He said: ‘Na, we’re losing’. Alright, standard. He said: ‘Is Doris here?’ Which is what he called my wife, Daisy. I said: ‘Yeah, I think so’, and he said: ‘What about the kids?’ I said: ‘What?’ And he went, ‘Has she brought the kids up’. I went: ‘What kids?’ I just started bawling my eyes out, I had completely forgotten that I had kids,” shared Marler, highlighting the grave risks associated with the sport.
Joe Marler's journey from the rugby field to television screens is a testament to the unpredictable and often surprising paths athletes' lives can take. His story not only reflects the challenges faced by sports professionals but also their resilience and adaptability in navigating life beyond their sporting careers.