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Marler's mission to break rugby's mental health taboo
England and Harlequins loosehead prop Joe Marler has been praised for speaking so openly about his mental health in a recent interview with The Daily Mail. The 30-year-old provided a candid and unembellished account of his battle with depression throughout his career, particularly after ‘Gypsygate’ in 2016 and after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
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Given the uncompromising persona he has created on the field and his cheerful and light-hearted character off it, this revelation has shocked many people, which is why he has been praised all the more for opening up.
Former Scotland international Rory Lawson succinctly summarised what many others have shared online, saying on Twitter: “Joe Marler is so good for rugby. Yes, he’s had a few indiscretions along the way but he fronts up and talks in a candid, open manner that is so relatable. This article is an outstanding example of how perceptions can be so wrong when assessing headlines and on-field action.”
Similarly, England legend Jason Leonard said of Marler: “I truly hope his brave words help other players and fans alike if they are going through similar hard times.”
One of the main takeaways from this interview that has been echoed by many people on social media is that this could have a resounding impact on other players going through similar experiences as the Englishman.
The two-cap British and Irish Lion may not have necessarily ingratiated himself with fans around the world throughout his career for his antics on the field, but there are very few that are not full of admiration for what he has now done off it.
There has traditionally been a stigma around discussing mental health in rugby, and indeed all sport, but that is one that is rapidly eroding, and honesty like this will only help break down those barriers further.
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Marler’s autobiography Loose Head will be released in October, which will provide greater depth into his battles throughout his career.
https://twitter.com/rorylawson9/status/1307635444352520192
Huge credit to @joemarler for his complete honesty about his mental health battle.
I truly hope his brave words help other players and fans alike if they are going through similar hard times https://t.co/JSkiuQu1Bx— Jason Leonard (@JasonLeonard114) September 20, 2020
Well done @JoeMarler . Great honestly from a great bloke! https://t.co/H06iC8vvCp
— Tim Visser (@timbovisser) September 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/dannyradford84/status/1307690430960734208
Wow. What an open and honest article which I think goes a long way towards people on the outside understanding this, and perhaps themselves, better. https://t.co/7rQbkaD8ns
— Jamie Williams (@williams_jamie) September 20, 2020
It’s hard not to love @JoeMarler this interview really backs up the point of you don’t know what anyone is going through behind closed doors. So much respect for Joe and how honest he is in this interview https://t.co/xeBgMkOLSB
— Matt (@mattbrown_10) September 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/paulrey65045012/status/1307718395480231936
When you have time take a moment to read this honest article in which @JoeMarler puts it on the table and opens up about his battle with his mental health. Maybe just send on the link to someone who maybe needs some confidence to put a hand up and get help with things in life. https://t.co/XCVm5oRE5e
— Ian Robinson (@IanRobinson_Ldn) September 20, 2020
What an honest interview. I hope so many learn from this that depression can effect anyone and seeking help is not being weak. Its bring strong. https://t.co/t4bXQgM2fr
— Nicky Green (@Nickyquin) September 21, 2020
@JoeMarler you have just made a difference to a lot of people lives. ?? *happy tears* ?? you’re amazing! No one is you and that is your super power! Keep going your journey is about to get a lot lighter. Thank you for sharing ?? https://t.co/tZ2Uv6zFuZ
— Emma Taylor (@GetCoached_Emma) September 20, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
AI is only as good as the information put in, the nuances of the sport, what you see out the corner of the eye, how you sum up in a split second the situation, yes the AI is a tool but will not help win games, more likely contribute to a loss, Rugby Players are not robots, all AI can do if offer a solution not the solution. AI will effect many sports, help train better golfers etc.
45 Go to commentsIt couldn’t have been Ryan Crotty. He wasn’t selected in either World Cup side - they chose Money Bill instead. And Money Bill only cared about himself, and that manager he had, not the team.
25 Go to commentsYawn 🥱 nobody would give a hoot about this new trophy. End of the day we just have to beat Ireland and NZ this year then they can finally shut up 🤐
13 Go to commentsTalking bout Ryan Crotty? Heard Crotty say in a interview once that SBW doesen't care about the team . He went on to say that whenever they lost a big game, SBW would be happy as if nothing happened, according to him someone who cares would look down.. Personally I think Crotty is in the wrong, not for feeling gutted but for expecting others 2 be like him… I have been a bad loser forever as it matters so much to me but good on you SBW for being able to see the bigger picture….
25 Go to commentsThis sounds like a WWE idea so Americans can also get excited about rugby, RUGBY NEEDS A INTERNATIONAL CALENDER .. The rugby Championship and Six Nations can be held at same time, top 3 of six nations and top 3 of Rugby championship (6 nations should include Georgia AND another qualifying country while Fiji, Japan and Samoa/Tonga qualifier should make out 6 Southern teams).. Scrap June internationals and year end tours. Have a Elite top six Cup and the Bottom 6 in a secondary comp….
13 Go to commentsThe rugby championship would be even stronger with Fiji in it… I know it doesen’t fit the long term plans of NZ or Aus but you are robbing a whole nation of being able to see their best players play for Fiji…. Every second player in NZ and AUS teams has Fijian surnames… shame on you!!! World rugby won’t step in either as France and England has now also joined in…. I guess where money is involved it will always be the poor countries missing out….
84 Go to commentsNo surprise there. How hard can it be to pick a ball off the ground and chuck it to a mate? 😂
2 Go to commentsSometimes people just like a moan mate!
1 Go to commentsexcellent idea ! rugby needs this 💪
13 Go to comments9 Brumbies! What a joke! The best performing team in Oz! Ditch Skelton for Swain or Neville. Ryan Lonergan ahead of McDermott any day! Best selection bolter is Toole … amazing player
12 Go to commentsI like this, but ultimately rugby already has enough trophies. Trying to make more games “consequential" might prove to be a fools errand, although this is a less bad idea than some others. Minor quibble with the title of the article; it isn’t very meaningful to say the boks are the unofficial world champions when it would be functionally impossible for the Raeburn trophy not to be held by the world champions. There’s a period of a few months every 4 years when there is no “unofficial” world champion, and the Raeburn trophy is held by the actual world champions.
13 Go to commentsIts a great idea but one that I dont think will have a lot of traction. It will depend on the prestige that they each hold but if you can do that it would be great. When Japan beat the Boks (my team) I was absolutely devestated but I wont deny the great game they played that day. We were outclassed and it was one of the best games of rugby I have seen. Using an idea like this you might just give the the underdog teams more of an opportunity to beat the big teams and I can absolutely see it being a brilliant display of rugby. They beat us because they planned for that game. It was a great moment for Japan. This way we can remove the 4 year wait and give teams something to aim for outside of World Cup years.
13 Go to commentsHi, Dave here. Happy to answer questions 🥰
13 Go to commentsDon’t think that headline is accurate. It’s great to see Aus doing better but I’m not sure they’ve shown much threat to the top of the table. They shouldn’t be inflating wins against the lousy Highlanders and Crusaders either.
3 Go to commentsSuch a shame Roigard and Aumua picked up long term injuries, probably the two form players in the comp. Also, pretty sure Clarke Dermody isn’t their coach. Got it half right though.
3 Go to commentsOh the Aussie media, they never learn. At least Andrew Kellaway is like “Woah, yeah it’s great, but settle down there guys” having endured years of the Aussie media, fans, and often their players getting ahead of themselves only to fall flat on their faces. Have the “We'll win the Bledisloe for sure this year!” headlines started yet? It’s simple to see what’s going on. The Aussie teams are settled, they didn't lose any of their major players overseas. The Crusaders and Chiefs lost key experienced All Blacks, and Razor in the Crusaders case, and clearly neither are anywhere near as strong as last year (The Canes and Blues would probably be 3rd & 4th if they were). The Highlanders are annually average, even more so post-Aaron Smith and a big squad clean out. The two teams at the top? The two nz sides with largely the same settled roster as last year, except Ardie Savea for the Canes. They’ve both got far better coaches now too. If the Aussies are going to win the title, this is the year the kiwi sides will be weakest, so they better take their chance.
3 Go to commentsThe World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
13 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
45 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
58 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to comments