Former England international Joe Marler will line up against his country for the first time after accepting an invitation to represent the Barbarians invitational side at Twickenham on June 2.
Marler, who won 59 caps for England between 2012 and 2018, retired from international rugby last year at the age of 28 in order to spend more time with his family.
The prop was part of the England side that won back-to-back Six Nations championships in 2016 and 2017. He played for England against the Barbarians at Twickenham last May as the home side fell to their heaviest defeat in 20 years in a 63-45 loss.
“Playing for the Barbarians is something I never thought would happen so I’m really excited to be involved — it’s a bit of dream come true,” Marler said.
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It’s @JoeMarler who will line-up v @EnglandRugby 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥳#rugby #rugbyunited 🏉 pic.twitter.com/gqF6YduhWk
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) May 23, 2019
“I’ve played against them for England, most recently last year, but it didn’t cross my mind that I’d get an invitation so I’m delighted to have been approached.”
Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam again takes charge of the Barbarians side, which will include Charles Piutau, John Afoa, Steven Luatua, Malakai Fekitoa, Rhys Webb and Facundo Isa.