Former England prop Joe Marler has opened up on his regrets from his playing days, admitting that he “definitely” bullied teammates during his time in rugby.
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The ex-Harlequins star, who earned 95 caps for his country, hung up his boots in 2024 and is now appearing on the UK version of Celebrity Traitors.
Marler recently joined Jamie Laing on the Great Company podcast, where he spoke candidly about his career and personal growth.
Marler’s honesty
Laing asked the 35-year-old:
“Do you think you were a bit of a bully sometimes?”
To which Marler replied:
“Oh yeah, definitely.”
He continued:
“In that environment, it’s almost encouraged. You have to be that alpha, it’s the toxic masculinity often described as poisonous.
“I could either use my powers for good or evil, and more often than not I’d lean to the evil side.
“I look back at that and go, f***, the amount of people I’ve made uncomfortable – I don’t want to do that now, I don’t want to be like that now.”
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