While most of the rugby world is packing for Australia and the buzz of the Lions tour, Joe Marler is swapping boots for something a little less bruising — a bit of sun, paddle courts, and even a spot on reality TV.
He’s not chasing the corporate gigs or rubbing shoulders in rugby suites.
Instead, Marler’s embracing the freedom of retirement with a schedule that includes more mystery and mischief than match day tactics.
Reality TV and Holiday Escapes
Rather than following the usual post-retirement path of commentary or coaching gigs, Marler’s heading off to Italy with his family and then straight into the chaos of Celebrity Traitors.
Yep, you read that right — the same Marler who once terrorized front rows will soon be hanging out with Stephen Fry and dodging metaphorical knives in a Scottish castle.
“I’m calling it a work trip,” Marler jokes. “But let’s be real, no one there will know who I am. They’ll probably ask if I’m part of the sound crew.”
He’s always been a fan of the show, and now he’s diving right into it — even if that means being labelled a traitor in a totally different setting.
Proudly a ‘S**thouse’ — On and Off the Pitch
If there’s one thing Marler is unapologetically known for, it’s his mischievous antics on the field — the kind he lovingly calls “s**thousery.”
But in classic Marler fashion, he admits he wasn’t even that good at it: “I always got caught!”
Now, he’s passing the torch — or at least admiring a new generation doing it better.
One young player in particular has caught his attention: 20-year-old Henry Pollock
. Marler is all in on Pollock’s disruptive flair.
“I love Pollock. The way he carries himself, it’s pure s**thousery, but it’s not fake — it’s just who he is,” says Marler.
“And it’s making people talk about rugby again in a good way.”
Lions Tour? He’ll Be Watching From the Sidelines
Though he’s not physically heading Down Under, Marler will still be keeping an eye on the Lions series.
After all, he once toured with them under Warren Gatland back in 2017.
He’s especially eager to see how England’s back row shapes up.
With big names like Tom Curry in the mix, it’ll be tough for Pollock to break into the Test side — but Marler thinks even a bench role could give him the platform to shine.
And about that infamous 2021 Lions tour? “Let’s be honest, that Covid-era tour didn’t count,” he says.
“This is the real thing — fans back in full force, proper buzz. It’s what the sport needed.”
Trading Tackles for Padel Balls
While the Lions battle it out in Australia, Marler is chasing a different kind of sport: padel.
He discovered the racket sport during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and quickly got hooked.
So much so that he’s now a brand ambassador for Nox, a major padel brand.
“They saw a post I made and reached out. I was like, ‘You do know I’m rubbish, right?’” he laughs.
But they flew him out to Barcelona anyway, where he found himself getting outclassed by teenagers and loving every second of it.
Still Connected to the Game, But on His Own Terms
Marler might be retired, but he hasn’t walked away completely.
He’s still involved in the welfare space through Team England, helping players navigate the complicated world of post-rugby life.
But for now, he’s focused on enjoying his first proper summer off — one that doesn’t involve last-minute plans or intense training camps.
“I thought about heading to Australia for corporate work, but honestly, the kids were too excited about a proper holiday,” he says.
“This is the first time we’ve actually been able to plan one in advance.”
Finding a New Identity Beyond the Game
As fulfilling as this off-pitch life can be, Marler’s open about how strange it feels not to have the structure of a rugby career.
After nearly two decades in the game, adjusting to a life without scrums and team meetings takes time.
“I still get nervous thinking about the next 40 years,” he admits. “Trying to figure out what your identity is outside rugby is no easy thing.
Sometimes I wonder, ‘Should I be doing more? Should I have a job lined up?’”
But in the meantime, he’s having a laugh, trying new things, and enjoying the kind of freedom most players can only dream of.