Joe Marler to quit rugby with immediate effect on Friday

England prop Joe Marler will call time on his rugby career this weekend after bringing forward his retirement.

The Harlequins front-rower has announced that Friday night’s clash with Bristol at The Stoop will be his final match. Marler’s decision to hang up his boots comes less than a month after he brought his England career to an end.

The 34-year-old had initially indicated he would continue playing for Harlequins until the end of the current season, but he will now retire after one last match in front of his home fans this weekend.

The loosehead prop joined Harlequins from local club Eastbourne in 2009, going on to make 285 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club.

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In that time, Marler has lifted the Premiership twice with the club in 2012 and 2021, as well as a European Challenge Cup title in 2011. His Test career saw him play 95 times for England and tour with the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

“The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game. On Friday night I’ll play my last ever match for Quins. After all these happy years, it’s over,” said Marler.

“The most important thing I want to say to our fantastic supporters is thank you. Thank you for your patience and support, when you could easily have turned your back on me. For the kindness you’ve shown, even when I haven’t deserved it, and for cheering my name…even after I’d been banned again.

“I feel lucky to have pulled on the jersey worn by so many idols of mine, and so many better players. That’s an incredible thing to me. I got to stand alongside with so many great players and people that have made this club so special.

“I’ll always be grateful to the Club’s owners, Charles and Duncan, for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. See you down the road. We’ll meet again. Although, ideally not in Biarritz in torrential rain.”

Last month, Marler decided to retire from Test rugby after pulling out of England's autumn squad, ending a Test career that saw him win three Six Nations and reach a World Cup final in 2019.

As well as the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, Marler also represented the Barbarians in 2019 and 2022.

Speaking about his retirement, Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson said: “Joe should be incredibly proud of his fantastic career.

“He’s a remarkable character on and off the pitch and hugely popular with our supporters. In retirement he should rightly be recognised for his outstanding achievements for both club and country.

“In the modern game, it’s rare that players stay at one club for the duration of their professional career and that can’t be overlooked. It speaks volumes of Joe’s connection to the Club, it’s staff and the players he’s shared the pitch with throughout the years.

“He’s one of rugby’s big characters and will be missed. Everyone at the Club wishes Joe, his wife Daisy and their young family the very best in this next chapter.”