- READ MORE: Why Joe Marler was right to criticize the 'sacred' Haka and how England should hit back when New Zealand stage their war dance on Saturday, writes CHRIS FOY
- The 34-year-old left the national team's training colchoneta on Monday before the game against the All Blacks
- On Tuesday, Marler tweeted that teams should “deal with it with some kind of response.”
Joe Marler is out of the England squad after claiming the All Blacks' famous Haka should be “scrapped” but his absence is unrelated to comments that have caused a stir in New Zealand.
The Harlequins prop, 34, left the national team's training colchoneta on Monday for personal reasons and his prospects of returning during the upcoming Autumn Nations Series are in doubt. So far, England coach Steve Borthwick has not called up any other weak players.
Marler's withdrawal arose when a firestorm broke out following his posts on X, formerly Twitter, about the Haka.
On Tuesday night, when he had already returned home, he wrote: “The Haka needs to be discarded. It's ridiculous.'
Shortly afterward he added: “It's only good when teams actually come up against each other with some kind of answer.”
Joe Marler had left the England camp before sharing his opinion on the Haka.
The prop's comments about the pre-match requirement have sparked anger in the All Blacks camp.
World Rugby rules dictate that teams facing a pre-match 'cultural challenge' must not advance off their field. In 2019, before their World Cup semi-final victory against the All Blacks, England stood in an arrow formation and Marler crossed the halfway line to face the Kiwis; a move that cost him a £2,000 fine.
Having been overwhelmed by abusive messages after his posts, Marler closed his X account on Tuesday, but reactivated it yesterday, writing: “Context is everything.” Just have a little fun, try to spark interest in a mega meeting. Some wild responses. Great love.” England has not told him to delete posts, nor will he receive any reprimand.
Share or comment on this article: Joe Marler is OUT of the England squad amid calls for Haka to be “scrapped” but the Harlequins prop's absence is not linked to controversial comments.
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