Joe Marler’s X account back online after he suggested haka ‘needs binning’

Joe Marler has called for the haka to be scrapped ahead of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand as it emerged the veteran prop has left England camp for personal reasons.

Marler baited the All Blacks ahead of the autumn opener at Allianz Stadium by writing on social media site X on Tuesday night that “The haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.”

The 34-year-old prop then added: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”

The Haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.

— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) October 29, 2024

He subsequently deactivated his account, only for it to return on Wednesday accompanied by a new post clarifying his views.

Marler said: “Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses. Big Love x.

“Also needed to satisfy my narcissism.”

Marler was not selected for the New Zealand showdown and the PA news agency understands that he left the squad’s Surrey training base on Monday, the day before his inflammatory tweet was published.

The Harlequins front row returned home for personal reasons and his participation in the remaining Autumn Nations Series fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Japan is now up in the air.

He was part of the 36-man training squad picked for Saturday’s blockbuster clash and was expected to be involved in the matchday 23.

Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses.