The veteran prop outlined just how important it is for new players to the international scene to “just be themselves” and not be overwhelmed by playing for their country.
Marler, 33, feels part of his job in Steve Borthwick’s new squad will be to use his vast international experience and knowledge of 88 caps to help bed in those younger players.
England flew to Italy earlier than in recent years to prepare for Saturday’s opening clash in Rome, and Harlequins loosehead Marler says: “There have been a lot of changes and it’s an exciting time to be around the squad. It naturally had to happen after the World Cup cycle when you need a bit of a refresh and to look to the future.
This story is from the January 28, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 28, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BRAVE BOSTON HAVE STRUCK IT RICH
BOSTON’S Jordan Richards reckons his latest tale of the unexpected was his best yet – and he wants to stick around for another chapter.
JAMES BEATS STAGS DRUM
FORMER Southampton and England striker James Beattie says he is ‘excited’ to play his part in helping AFC Totton’s bid to climb the Non-League ladder.
WE'RE FEELING ON TOP OF THE WORLD
THE wonder of Wembley can alter the hearts and minds of the best of men – just ask Romford boss Dan Spinks.
HASSAN'S THE ASSASSIN!
Hero helps Boro write new chapter in history
ROB'S SO HAPPY TO RIGHT THE WRONGS
ROB ELLIOT says he knew Gateshead would win the FA Trophy when they went for a players’ night out to get over their play-off heartache, insisting there were “wrongs to be righted” at Wembley.
IT'S HEED OVER HEELS BUT SAD SOLIHULI PAY PENALTY AGA
IF EVER a final summed up the glory, heartbreak, agony and ecstasy of football this was it.
Perenara tops try list as 'Canes march on
TJ PERENARA became the all-time top Super Rugby try scorer as his table topping Hurricanes demolished the Waratahs.
You lived on the edge with Scotland
WHENEVER I cross paths with Paul Ackford, he always shouts across the room, “he taught me everything I knew!” Both of us were called into the England squad on the back of the London division’s famous win over Australia in 1988 but he got into the Test team later that year, and I didn’t.
Appleyard unhappy with date clashes
STAFFORDSHIRE head coach Andy Appleyard believes the RFU are ‘stealing opportunities away from quality players’ due to the opening round of the County Championship being played on the same day as the Papa John’s final.
Delighted to see Titans stand tall
THERE are some teams you grow particularly attached to over the decades and I make no apologies in numbering Rotherham Titans among those.
