Marler explains love for padel in rugby retirement

Joe Marler says padel has been the "perfect sport" for him since retiring from rugby

Former England rugby union star Joe Marler has described his new found love for the racket sport padel since retiring last year.

After calling time on his playing career in November 2024, the former Harlequins prop said he picked it up during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Marler, from Heathfield in East Sussex, claimed he was "no good" at it but wanted to "spread the padel gospel" in retirement.

Speaking during a celebrity tournament, he said: "There's that one point, that one rally that you get and you feel good at it. I chase that moment."

He said: "People think I'm really good, they book me to spread the Padel gospel, then they realise I'm not good at it!"

Padel tennis is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, thanks to its basic skill level and social nature.

Marler said: "It's going crazy, everyone and everywhere is padel mad. It's great for me!"

He now takes part in the Pro Am Padel Tour, a tournament which sees celebrities and professional padel players team together.

His team, including former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, came up against others including comedian Jason Manford, with the tour also featuring players like Great Britain number one padel player Aimee Gibson.

The Traitors

Team Manford emerged victorious and secured a £10,000 contribution to the Captain's Fund, a new charitable initiative where each captain selects a charity to support.

Manford added: "Joe is good actually, for a big man he's got some delicate shots, he's a good laugh. I'm sure he's storming around now we've beaten him."

As England Rugby's player welfare manager, Marler said his life has not slowed down since finishing his playing career.

"It doesn't feel like retirement, I'm so busy. I'm trying my hand at several things and hoping something sticks," he said.

He has also been announced as part of the line-up for the celebrity version of hit BBC One show The Traitors, which airs this autumn.

Marler will appear alongside the likes of comedians Stephen Fry and Alan Carr, chat show host Jonathan Ross and Olympic diver Tom Daley.