A more mature Joe Marler has all the skills to challenge Mako Vunipola for England’s starting loosehead jersey according to England legend Jason Leonard.
Leonard, England’s most capped player of all time and a 2003 World Cup winner, has worked with Harlequins prop Marler in the past in a mentoring role.
And after a summer in which Marler toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions, Leonard believes the 27-year-old has grown up immensely from the player who first broke onto the international scene at 21.
Leonard said: “I think Joe Marler is a great player. He has matured quite a lot off the pitch, he is now a dad and a doting dad too.
“He seems a lot calmer on the pitch and it is just maturity. You want to be on the edge but you want to be in control, and that is what Joe has learnt in the last couple of seasons.
“He knows how to play hard but he is there and in the right frame of mind, so he will give Mako a good run for his money this season.
“I think the role of a prop has changed over the years, they are more mobile now and far more skilled with the ball in their hands.
“If you like at Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler, they are great players, but it always going to be about players who can do their job.
“I don’t care what anyone says, you might be the best ball-handler in the world but if you can’t scrummage, tackle or lift in the lineout then you are not going to get picked.”
Marler will be targeting the November international as the chance to re-establish himself at the top of the pecking order among the England props.
Jason Leonard is England's most capped player of all time
Eddie Jones’ side will take on Australia, Samoa and Argentina, looking to build on a strong summer tour away to the Pumas.
And for those who missed that tour while they were on Lions duty – including Marler, this November will be a crucial period two years out from the World Cup in Japan, according to Leonard.
He added: “I don’t think now is the time to start focussing on the Rugby World Cup. There is still a lot of rugby to be played before it comes around.
“It will come around soon enough, don’t worry about that. But I think someone who wants to have a serious chance needs to hit the ground running after the Lions Tour.
“They need to perform in the big games that matter, like the European games and then you have autumn internationals and the Six Nations.
“There is a lot of rugby to be played, so while players and coaches have an eye on the future everyone needs to get their ducks in a row.”
The Rugby Centurions have inspired others through their passion, integrity and discipline on the field, and now their legacy will live on through this extraordinary association. For more information on Rugby Centurions and the Gala Dinner on November 23 at Hilton Metropole; visit: www.rugbycenturions.com
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