November 3rd 2024.
Joe Marler, a talented rugby player, has been a proud member of the England rugby team for many years, earning an impressive 95 caps for his country. However, in recent days, he has made the difficult decision to retire from international rugby. This comes after he received backlash for making some controversial comments about the traditional Māori haka dance.
Before England's match against New Zealand, Marler expressed his opinion that the haka was "ridiculous" and should be done away with. This dance has been a significant part of New Zealand's rugby culture since the late 1800s and is performed by the All Blacks team before every game. Marler's remarks sparked criticism, especially from the Māori community, who called out his ignorance. In response, Marler issued a sincere apology, but it seems that this incident has ultimately led to his decision to retire from international rugby.
In a heartfelt post on his Instagram, Marler reflected on his time playing for England. He described it as feeling like a "dream bubble" and that he was just waiting for it to burst and return to his old self. However, he realized that it was time for a change. As much as he loves playing for his country, he can no longer perform at the same level as before. Moreover, his family has always been his priority, and he wants to fully commit to them.
Marler also mentioned that he wants to leave his international career with all the memories, both good and bad, untarnished. He doesn't want to leave his home with his children crying, and he believes it's time to move on to a new chapter in his life. He ends his post by saying goodbye to international rugby with a sense of sadness but also pride in what he has accomplished.
It's worth noting that Marler's comments about the haka were made in jest, and he has since clarified that he meant no harm. He even temporarily deleted his social media account due to the backlash but later returned to explain his intentions and to spread some love.
The CEO of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Helmut Modlik, expressed disappointment in Marler's comments, stating that they come from a place of ignorance. He reminds everyone that the haka is not just a part of the sporting spectacle but is also a significant cultural treasure for the Māori people. It is essential to perform the haka respectfully, which the New Zealand rugby team has always done.
In the end, Joe Marler's retirement from the England rugby team may have been a tough decision, but it is one that he stands by. He will always cherish his time playing for his country and is ready to move on to new adventures. As he says, it's time to exit one dream bubble and enter a new one.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
