England prop Joe Marler announces international retirement just days after haka controversy

The 34-year-old was the subject of a lot of online backlash last week.

England rugby star Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby, just days after he was heavily criticised online for stating that New Zealand's haka “needs binning”.

The injured loosehead prop deactivated his X account on Tuesday, shortly after a tweet he posted labelling the Māori ceremonial dance as “ridiculous” received sizeable backlash from others on the social media site.

A follow-up tweet added: "It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week."

The comments led to immediate backlash on social media, with one person replying: “Who are you to speak on someone else’s culture?”

Another wrote: "As a professional rugby player, it must be a momentous occasion to be able to stand in front of one of the greatest rugby playing nations in the world, and witness this tradition first hand."

Marler reactivated his account hours later, playing down his inflammatory comments. "Context is everything," he wrote. "Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love."

The All Blacks got the last laugh when they beat the home side by two points in a thrilling and heated encounter at Twickenham yesterday.

Replacement fly-half George Ford missed a late penalty and drop-goal to win it for England. Scott Roberston's side now travel to Dublin to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Earlier today, a video was posted to the official England Rugby social media pages, showing Marler speaking to camera and announcing his decision to step away from international rugby.

"I know I've done this loads of times before so I should have this waxed lyrically, but this is the real one this time so it's a bit weird," Marler said.

"It's time for me to move on. The time has come for me to finally hang up my England rugby boots."

He added: "I feel very sad but very proud to have been given the chance and the opportunities over the years to represent England and I've got so many fond memories of wearing the white shirt."

On his X page, the Eastbourne native shared a story involving an emotional conversation with teammate Dan Coles, during which he revealed that he was "done" with playing for his country.

Marler retires from international rugby with 95 caps, a World Cup runners-up medal from 2019 and three Six Nations titles. He had initially retired in 2018 to spend more time with his family, but rejoined the England rugby squad in time for the Rugby World Cup the following year.