Former England prop Joe Marler has shared that the mental health challenges he faced throughout his career continue to affect him even after his retirement. The 34-year-old ended his Test rugby career just before the autumn internationals, having initially been included in England’s squad for the matches. His retirement came after a final farewell game for Harlequins.
Reflecting on his Mentalhealth journey, Marler opened up about how the ups and downs of being a Test rugby player continued to impact his rugbymental well-being right up until his decision to retire.
“How often do I have low points? Still a fair amount,” Marler admitted during an appearance on the For the Love of Rugby podcast. “Post-tour, post-campaign, there is a natural lull when you have been used to a schedule being put in front of you. You know where you are going, what you are wearing, and you’re surrounded by the boys all the time.”
Marler explained how this sense of routine and camaraderie left him feeling lost when he returned home: “You go back, and you have missed your family, and you love them to pieces, but you don’t really know where you fit in.”
Before the rugbymental challenge of the Japan and New Zealand tour this summer, Marler had been proactive in seeking therapy to help address past struggles. “Before the tour, I was consistent in going to this new therapy and trying to deal with some stuff that had happened in the past and some stuff that was happening at the time,” he said.
He noted that the therapy sessions provided him with useful tools to manage his Mentalhealth, but upon returning home, he struggled to maintain the same routine. “The therapist was texting me to try and set up another appointment, but I felt really good and thought I would crack on. But that is the time you want to keep delving into stuff you are struggling with to stay on top of it.”
Marler emphasized his ongoing battle with the old-school mindset of “I feel good, so I don’t need any help.” He admitted that he still finds it difficult to ask for support when things are going well, acknowledging that this attitude has been a challenge in maintaining his Mentalhealth over time.
Throughout his career, Marler was open about his struggles with Mentalhealth, often speaking candidly about the emotional toll the game had on him. He recalled moments of personal distress, such as crying on the way to training, trashing his kitchen in a fit of rage, and even taking anti-depressants.
The former prop also reflected on his controversial on-field antics, which have included verbal insults towards opponents, squirting England teammate James Haskell with a water bottle, and grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ genital area. He suggested that these actions may have stemmed from his own insecurities.
“Maybe sometimes I get bored, maybe I am an attention-seeker, maybe I lack confidence in my rugby-playing abilities, so I try and get involved in a different way somehow to justify being there,” Marler said. “I don’t know. Sometimes I like winding other people up – it has been in my nature for god knows how long.”
Marler’s candid discussions about his Mentalhealth offer a window into the emotional toll that being a professional rugby player can have on an individual, and his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when dealing with the mental strains of the sport.
