Dan Cole is optimistic about a turnaround for England's rugby team, but he will certainly miss his roommate, Joe Marler, following Marler's announcement of his international retirement. As Cole's close friend and confidant, Marler was the first to share his decision, which left Cole with mixed feelings. “He explained his reasons, and I thought: ‘Who the heck am I going to room with now, Joe!? You’ve really put me in a tough spot!’” Cole remarked. With Marler stepping back, George Ford will take over his room, but the more significant change is the inclusion of Sale's 20-year-old prop, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, in the squad. While Cole acknowledges he will miss Marler, he understands that life goes on. At 37, he often questions his place in the sport, and the selection of the promising Opoku-Fordjour signifies a shift in the team's dynamics under coach Steve Borthwick.

Joe Marler has announced his retirement from international rugby, concluding his England career after earning 95 caps. The prop has decided to step away from the game to focus on his family, expressing that he can no longer perform at the level he once did. Marler's departure from the England camp was first reported by the Guardian, as he left last week for personal reasons, missing the team's recent match against the All Blacks. Although he initially returned to camp, he soon informed head coach Steve Borthwick and senior players of his decision to prioritize family time and subsequently went back home. While he had previously indicated a willingness to take things "day-by-day," it became clear that he was ready to move on from international rugby. Marler's decision marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, as he steps away from the sport to be with his loved ones.