JOE MARLER, THE ICONIC ENGLAND PROP, COULD MAKE A RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL RUGBY DESPITE ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT FROM ENGLAND AFTER EARNING 95 CAPS OVER A REMARKABLE 12-YEAR CAREER. While

reports suggest Marler plans to hang up his boots completely in 2025 — which could end his journey with Harlequins — he has decided to first step back from the international stage. __ KEY

MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS Marler’s England debut came during the summer tour of South Africa in 2012, and he quickly became a fixture on the team. His career highlights include being part

of England’s Six Nations-winning squads in 2016, 2017, and 2020. Marler also played in three Rugby World Cups, including the 2019 campaign where England reached the final before losing to

tour of New Zealand, although he didn’t feature in any Test matches. He also made an appearance for the Barbarians in 2019, a fitting nod to his career’s wide-ranging impact. Marler hasn’t

ruled out being part of the 2025 British’s & Irish Lions squad, though not playing for England will lessen his chances of selection with the likes of Andrew Porter and ellis Genge vying

for the same position. PREVIOUS RETIREMENT AND RETURN Marler previously retired from international rugby in 2018, only to return in time for the 2019 World Cup. Named in Steve Borthwick’s

squad for the current autumn internationals, he recently withdrew for personal reasons, solidifying his decision to retire from international play. PODCASTING AND FUTURE AMBITIONS Marler has

already begun exploring life beyond rugby, notably through his podcast, “Joe Marler’s Things People Do” (previously “The Joe Marler Show”). The show, which isn’t rugby-centric, allows

Marler to engage with a diverse range of people and topics. NO COACHING IN SIGHT For those wondering if Marler will take up coaching, the answer is no. His future plans involve pursuing a

media career, one that’s not directly tied to sports. Marler’s focus now is on building a new career in broadcasting, where fans can expect to see more of his trademark humor and insight.

BOOKIES RECKON THIS IS THE LIONS SQUAD FOR THE 2025 AUSSIE TOUR – AND SOME PICKS WILL SURPRISE YOU THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TOUR OF AUSTRALIA IN 2025 IS GENERATING EXCITEMENT, WITH

BOOKIES NOW TIPPING A LIKELY SQUAD. While a few seasoned players seem almost guaranteed, there are some unexpected names rumored to earn their stripes. 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD

(36) BACK-THREE (6) The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with _Duhan van der Merwe_ and _James Lowe_ bringing powerful running and finishing ability. _Tommy Freeman_ and _Immanuel

Feyi-Waboso_ are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while _Hugo Keenan_ and _Darcy Graham_ round out the squad with their solid defensive skills. * DUHAN VAN DER MERWE (SCOTLAND) – 1/16

* JAMES LOWE (IRELAND) – 1/8 * HUGO KEENAN (IRELAND) – 1/5 * Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9 * Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11 * Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1 -------------------------

CENTRE (4) In the centre, _Bundee Aki_ is a strong favorite for his physicality, while _Ollie Lawrence_ has made a name for himself with his impressive form. _Sione Tuipulotu_ and _Robbie

Henshaw_ provide additional versatility and experience. * BUNDEE AKI (IRELAND) – 1/5 * OLLIE LAWRENCE (ENGLAND) – 1/4 * Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7 * Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11

------------------------- FLY-HALVES (3) The fly-half selection highlights _Finn Russell’s_ creativity and flair, with _Marcus Smith_ and _George Ford_ both showcasing tactical nous and

playmaking ability. * FINN RUSSELL (SCOTLAND) – 1/10 * Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15 * George Ford (England) – 8/11 SCRUM-HALVES (3) A competitive scrum-half group sees _Jamison Gibson-Park_

 favored for his quick service and decision-making, while _Alex Mitchell_ and _Ben White_ are both strong contenders. * JAMISON GIBSON-PARK (IRELAND) – 8/11 * Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10

* Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10 ------------------------- PROP (3) The front row is anchored by stalwarts like _Tadhg Furlong_ and _Andrew Porter_, while _Ellis Genge_ and _Joe Marler_ add

depth and experience. * TADHG FURLONG (IRELAND) – 1/8 * ANDREW PORTER (IRELAND) – 1/7 * Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11 * Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6 * Joe Marler (England) – 5/6 * Pierre

Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4 ------------------------- HOOKER (3) With _Dan Sheehan_ leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play

the Lions aim to adopt. * DAN SHEEHAN (IRELAND) – 1/10 * Jamie George (England) – 8/15 * Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5 LOCK (5) In the locks, _Maro Itoje_ remains a cornerstone, complemented by 

_Tadhg Beirne’s_ athleticism and versatility. * MARO ITOJE (ENGLAND) – 1/33 * TADHG BEIRNE (IRELAND) – 1/10 * Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6 * Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11 * George Martin

(England) – 11/10 ------------------------- BACK-ROW (6) Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with _Josh van der Flier_ and _Courtney Lawes_ bringing a wealth of

international experience and physicality. * CAELAN DORIS (IRELAND) – 1/5 * BEN EARL (ENGLAND) – 1/5 * JOSH VAN DER FLIER (IRELAND) – 1/3 * Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15 * Tommy Reffell

(Wales) – 4/6 * Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4 _Join the RUCK’S WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE and get the latest news sent straight to your messages._ EDITORS PICKS: RUGBY QUIZ: