Category: Rugby Union

• Prop calls time on England career after 95 caps
• ‘I don’t want to leave my house with my kids crying’

Joe Marler has retired from international rugby and will play no part in the rest of England’s autumn nations campaign, citing the need to prioritise his family saying: “I can’t do what I used to do as well as I once could”.

As exclusively revealed by the Guardian, Marler left the England camp at the start of last week, citing personal reasons, and made himself unavailable for Saturday’s agonising defeat by the All Blacks. It is understood the prop arrived in camp last Sunday but informed Steve Borthwick and a group of senior players of his decision and returned to his family home. While he was keen to stress that he was taking a “day-by-day” approach last week, the writing was on the wall and he brings the curtain down on his England career with 95 caps.

Victory for New Zealand following two late missed kicks from George Ford at Twickenham

4 mins. The home side are working some phases before Martin can’t grasp a pass in his massive lock mitts. The ball is forward, but the advantage was still rolling meaning Smith can call for the tee and put three points on the board.

2 mins. Beauden Barrett attempts to find Clarke with a kick pass on the NZ 22, but Feyi-Waboso is up in his face to spoil possessions. The ball squirts loose and it puts England on the attack with an advantage

After potential shown on summer tour, England start four-Test home series with every reason for excitement

England stand on the verge of a thrilling month of Test rugby. The traditional big three from the southern hemisphere are due at Twickenham as well as a Japan side who are always entertaining. It’s an exciting time for Steve Borthwick’s side and what they get out of four fixtures against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan is going to be a genuine representation of where they truly are.

We’ve seen highs and lows in the last year. It was a difficult period going into the Six Nations with the defeat by Scotland and then a huge bounce with a victory over Ireland and promise in defeats by France and New Zealand. Borthwick was given a grace period in the first year or so of his tenure – something that wouldn’t be afforded to his opposite number on Saturday, Scott Robertson – but this November series feels definitive for the England head coach’s tenure.

• Barrett says tradition ‘unites us’ before England clash
• Jamie George calls for hosts to show passion for fans

The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, has warned England that Joe Marler has “loaded the gun” with his haka jibe before Saturday’s autumn internationals kick-off at Twickenham.

Marler posted on social media on Tuesday that the haka is “ridiculous” and “it needs binning” before rowing back and apologising for his “shithouse” comments on Thursday night. The England captain, Jamie George, distanced himself from Marler’s views, insisting he loves the All Blacks’ traditional war dance but revealed his side were considering a respectful response.

Before England’s All Blacks clash, the prop faces the sport’s problems and describes his passion for community work

There are refreshingly forthright rugby players and then, several laps out in front, there is Ellis Genge. How, for example, does England’s returning vice-captain rate the current financial stability of the professional club game beneath the national team? “I think it’s shit or bust, to be honest,” he replies, bluntly. “It’s either going to go one way or another … something’s got to give.”

Strong words from our man at the sharp end ahead of a big autumn for the sport. And what about the untimely calf injury that led to him missing England’s summer tour to Japan and New Zealand? “I’ve never had a calf issue in my life. It was 28 minutes into the last game of the season in May, in a scrum. That shouldn’t happen.” He believes the blame lies with those forcing top players to plough ever onwards for club and country with minimal rest. “Boys getting run into the ground is no good. Is there a silver bullet that’s going to sort it all out? Probably not. I’ve always said we’re a guinea pig era.”