Marler retires from England duty
Written by I Dig SportsEngland prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby having won 95 caps.
Marler made his England debut during the 2012 summer tour of South Africa and was part of three Six Nations-winning sides in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
He also represented England at three World Cups, including in 2019 when they were beaten by South Africa.
"It's time for me to move on," said Marler, 34.
"I've been really, really lucky to experience both the mega highs and the mega lows in an England shirt. I will cherish all of them because they all count."
The Harlequins prop was also part of the British and Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2017 and made one appearance for the Barbarians in 2019.
He briefly retired from international rugby in 2018 but returned before the 2019 World Cup.
Marler was named in Steve Borthwick's squad for the autumn internationals but withdrew for personal reasons last week.
"Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble. I kept waiting for it to pop and me to suddenly go back to being a gobby, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it is time," Marler said in a social media post.
"I can't do what I used to do as well as I once could. I can't keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are.
"I want to keep untarnished all these memories of my career, both good and bad. I don't want to leave my house with my kids crying. I am ready to make the change."