England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect, in order to spend more time with his family.
The loosehead prop, 28, has 59 England caps having made his debut against South Africa in 2012.
Marler helped his country to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016, following it up by completing back-to-back Championship wins with the 2017 title.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and of course this has been a very difficult decision to make,” said Marler, who led England out for his 50th cap in the stunning Six Nations victory over Scotland in March 2017.
“But I have decided to retire from playing international rugby with immediate effect to spend more time with my family.
“It is an incredible commitment to play rugby for England and I strongly believe that if you are unable to give yourself fully to it then it is time to step away. Otherwise it would not be fair on the team, or my family.
“Being with England you have to spend an incredible amount of time away and I could not do that anymore.
“So now is the time to walk away and get some new blood in the team and I am looking forward to being able to give my wife and children more of my time.
“I would like to thank everyone at England for the opportunities that I have been given. I will always be grateful for the memories playing for my country has given me.”
The Harlequins forward last played for his country in the 25-10 Cape Town victory over the Springboks in June.
Marler featured in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and also toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions squad in the summer of 2017.
Speaking of Marler’s decision, England head coach Eddie Jones said: “I’m very disappointed for the team.
“Joe has been an integral member since 2015 when I arrived, and obviously before that also.
“In my era we’ve really enjoyed him playing for the team, he is an honest, hard-working player. He has made a decision based on personal grounds and we understand his reasoning. He is a good guy and we will miss him greatly.”
