Joe Marler’s club captaincy can only help his bid to secure a World Cup starting berth next year, according to England legend Jason Leonard.
Marler looks set to don England’s No.1 shirt during next month’s autumn series with rivals – and British & Irish Lions – Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola both on the treatment table.
It was a shirt he pulled on four times in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations, while Matt Mullan was used against Italy.
Marler now faces the prospect of taking on New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia in November, looking to prove he can lead the way in next year’s RBS 6 Nations and into the 2015 World Cup.
And now in possession of the Harlequins captaincy, Leonard – the former Quin and 114-times capped England prop – believes the 24-year-old can show his mature side.
“Joe being Harlequins captain this year is a good thing for him,” said Leonard. “Even though they’ve lost a few games, they’ve had injuries.
“Joe has always had to address this question about his temperament but I think him being the captain at Quins will help him erase those thoughts.
“People see the hair and tattoos stuff like that so they assume he’s a bit wild but he’s actually been great and not put a foot wrong for a long time now.
“He’s doing great in the Harlequins side and stepped up into the England team. Whenever he’s pulled on an England shirt, he’s always played well.”
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