Prop Joe Marler has withdrawn from England’s squad for the entire Six Nations rugby tournament to be with his family during the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, England lock Joe Launchbury will miss the first three rounds after breaking his leg.
Marler ruled himself out on Monday, three days after being named in the 28-man squad.
“Always grateful for the opportunity so not an easy decision, but want to do right by my family in these crazy times and won’t be meeting up with the squad for this tournament,” Marler wrote on Twitter.
“Look forward to watching the team rip in.”
It means England will begin its title defence on February 6 against Scotland without its two main loosehead props after Mako Vunipola suffered an Achilles injury.
Ellis Genge was the only capped loosehead remaining. England coach Eddie Jones summoned Wasps prop Tom West and Bath lock Charlie Ewels.
Launchbury’s fibia stress fracture was cruel timing given that last year he re-established himself in the second row alongside Maro Itoje.
It is hoped he can be available for England’s last two matches against France on March 13 and Ireland on March 20.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I could write an article on the evils of Northern Hemisphere money in club rugby if you like :laughing:
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Why is this so worthy of multiple question marks NVFS? What has got your goat? It's interesting that somebody pulled out of an international team for this reason and also that Launchbury is out. Seems innocent enough to me
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
:laughing: Glad I bothered to read the comments!
WorldInUnion
Guest
Wayne That must have taken a long time to type. Andrew Symonds once told Michael Slater to ‘leave the jokes to the funny men’. There is wisdom in that advice.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:. But More seriously.. Etsebeth at flank... Nah.. Anyway he won't replace ieter Steff du Toit or Mostert there for The Boks.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
This is primarily a sports opinion site. News is second at best. Don’t you have enough news sites to read if you’re after that? There are many.
Wayne
Roar Rookie
In other Rugby News today : Toulon decided to release the Kraken and selected Eben Etzebeth at no. 6 flank for the game against Stade Francais. In response to their heavy loss, and Etzabeth’s ability to make ruck steals and cover defense on both wings at the same time, Stade Français this morning have petitioned the LNR to immediately ban big scary … … (something something in French) Giraffes from participating in the Top14. Rugby Australia have been notified of a rebranding of one of their Super Rugby Sides to “Fuerza Occidental”. When asked for comment the RA spokesperson stated that they are still trying to find out all the details however efforts have been affected by communication issues. The RA spokesperson also mentioned that the RA have already put out an urgent request for a Spanish to English translator due to Google Translation and other services unexpectedly going off line in Australia. Irish Rugby issued a statement today regarding the upcoming Rainbow Cup tournament, seeking to allay fears regarding the recent expansion of Pro Rugby to include the big 4 South African Super Rugby teams. The IRU informed that they have received guarantees from SA Rugby ensuring that Guinness is available in their country and that Irish players/tourists would not be boiled in big pots and eaten when touring in South Africa. Bolstered by Grandpa Earpiece’s (aka President Biden) recent executive order mandating males be allowed to participate in female sports, the Welsh Rugby Union informed that they have received backing from the Governments of all the Pro Rugby participating nations to table a motion at the next World Rugby general meeting on a vote to allow female participation in male rugby. WRU spokesperson was later overheard at the pub saying that that if the vote was successful this would clear the path for Wales to leave Pro Rugby and join the English Premiership Rugby. Sharks scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba's shadow was returned to him today by the Newlands ground staff who found it amongst the seats on the 27th row. Nohamba was given a shocking hospital pass from his fellow number eight Sikhumbuzo Notshe which left his ribs exposed to a brutal shot from Western Provence wing Angelo Davids. Sanele's shadow showed visible signs of trauma but nothing a few weeks of counseling and a decent South African braai could not sort out. Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has denied rumors that Tendai (Beast) Mtawarira has qualified to play for Scotland through ancestry, and dispelled rumors of his imminent callup to the Scottish National side to play England in their opening match of the Six Nations. Sale Sharks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk had a big smile on his face when he denied starting the rumor and has subsequently reached out to England prop Joe Marler to reconsider his withdrawal from the Six Nations team.
Muglair
Roar Rookie
I thought it was a COVID public health warning on washing your hands after playing with someone else's genitals.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
These two Joe’s are my among my favourite players. No one to carry Wyn - Jones’ bag .
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
By this case, you'd have to say the 6N is looking increasingly in doubt and that the Lions tour will be called off given the recent talk about a hard border closure for the UK.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Really?!? This is all you got The Roar??? Considering all the newsworthy stuff you have ignored the last week (only) you think this is worthy of publication and discussion? Seriously?