England prop Joe Marler apologized on Thursday for calling for the All Blacks’ famous pre-match haka to be scrapped.
Ahead of England’s match against New Zealand today, the 34-year-old Marler had said the pre-kickoff ritual “needs binning. It’s ridiculous.”
Marler had been part of the 36-man training squad that was preparing for the test, but he was not selected for the match at Twickenham.
Photo: AFP
“Hey rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week. I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction,” Marler wrote on X.
In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams from crossing the halfway line while New Zealand players are performing the haka.
England was fined in 2019 after contravening the rule ahead of the World Cup semi-final, with Marler going across the line as England did a reverse V, as if to hem in the New Zealand players.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said Marler “could have articulated himself better on that.”
He defended the haka as great rugby tradition that is part of “our DNA” and honors their roots.
Marler said he could have explained himself better.
“I’m grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture and hope others have a better understanding too,” he wrote.
England and New Zealand head into today’s clash with both sides having an added incentive for victory.
New Zealand, a perennial rugby superpower, arrive in Europe in the unusual position of being outside the top two in the world rankings, with Ireland and South Africa occupying those spots.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who took over after an agonising one-point loss to the Springboks in the World Cup final last year, has since presided over a home defeat by Argentina as well as two loses away to South Africa.
However, he also oversaw a pair of close wins at home to England in July — 16-15 in Dunedin and 24-17 in Auckland.
New Zealand began their tour last week, when a largely second-string side thrashed Japan 64-19.
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