Marler Reflects on Final England Tour in Japan
Joe Marler, the veteran England rugby union prop, is embracing his final days in an England shirt as the team embarks on their tour of Japan. Marler, who is likely to retire from international duty after this tour, reflects on his fond memories of the country, including revisiting the hotel he stayed in 16 years ago with teammate Jamie George.
Marler, now a father of four, acknowledges that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to balance his international commitments with his family responsibilities back home. However, he is determined to savor every moment of this tour, which holds special significance after the team’s unbelievable memories from the 2019 World Cup, with the exception of the final.
During their downtime, the England squad has taken the opportunity to explore Tokyo, with Marler and Dan Cole visiting the iconic Godzilla statue in Shinjuku and encountering a “street sumo” wrestler in Nonbei Yokocho. Marler also reconnected with a barista named Yoshi, whom the team had met during their previous visit to Japan.
The team has been training in the intense 30-degree heat and humid conditions, with Marler praising the exceptional facilities at D-Rocks, where they have been based. He has also been enjoying the high-end culinary experiences, such as the Wagyu beef barbecue, though the team has been teasing the security staff about the 2019 World Cup incident when Ed Sheeran was not allowed to enter a post-final social event.
Marler’s adventurous spirit has led him to some unique experiences, including visiting a café where micro-pigs climb on customers’ laps and an underground ninja training school. He has embraced the diverse and eccentric aspects of Japanese culture, from the fruit salad sandwiches to the multi-colored cheese toasties.
As the team prepares for the upcoming test match, Marler is focused on making the most of his final days in an England shirt. If he scores his first international try, he may even consider paying tribute to Jude Bellingham’s “werewolf celebration” that has become a part of the team’s camp culture.
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