Marler agrees Harlequins contract extension

Joe Marler has signed a contract extension with Harlequins.

The 29-year-old England international was reported to be considering quitting rugby after being given a 10-week ban for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals during the Six Nations win against Wales at Twickenham.

But matches being halted by the coronavirus pandemic means Marler has now served the ban and will be available to play if the season resumes on the target date of 15 August.

“I am a Harlequin, and I love the club,” said Marler, who is a product of the Quins’ academy.

“I’m immensely proud to have played for Quins over 200 times so far. I cannot wait for my next opportunity to pull on the jersey.”

Marler, who has played for England 71 times, was part of Harlequins’ Premiership title-winning team in 2012.

“Joe’s infectious personality off the field is as large as his presence on it,” said Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard.

“He is, without doubt, one of the best props in world rugby; and arguably the very best scrummaging loose-head prop in the modern era.”

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