Rugby fans have been left stunned after former England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler revealed his new look following retirement — with the 33-year-old reportedly losing over 10kg since leaving the game.
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The tighthead, who hung up his boots in November 2024, has slimmed down noticeably and fans say he looks “like a different man” compared to his days anchoring the England scrum.
📉 One supporter joked: “Marler’s gone from scrummaging machine to padel machine.”
😂 Another added: “He looks younger now than when he was still playing!”
Since stepping away from rugby, Marler has thrown himself into padel, the fast-growing racket sport he first discovered during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“There’s that one rally you get where you feel good at it. I chase that moment,” Marler explained at a recent celebrity event.
Although he insists he’s “no good” at it, Marler has embraced padel in retirement and even joked that people are disappointed when they realise he’s not the superstar they expected:
“People think I’m really good, they book me to spread the padel gospel, then they realise I’m not good at it!”
Marler has already competed in the Pro Am Padel Tour, linking up with ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and facing off against teams including comedian Jason Manford, alongside Britain’s No.1 padel player Aimee Gibson.
Fans online continue to share their surprise at his transformation, with one writing: “Never thought I’d say it, but Joe Marler looks almost too lean to be a prop these days.”
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