Joe Marler reactivates account after claiming New Zealand’s haka should be scrapped

England rugby star Joe Marler has addressed the response to his claim that the haka is ‘ridiculous’ and ‘needs binning’.

On Tuesday, the England prop sparked a debate surrounding the traditional Maori dance by calling for it to be dropped.

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Several international rugby teams perform the haka before matches, including New Zealand.

England face the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday and will be met with the haka ahead of kick-off.

Although Marler will miss the match after leaving the England camp, he gave his thoughts on social media this week.

In a post on X, he wrote: “The haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.”

The 34-year-old doubled down in a second post, adding: “It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the (rugby) league boys did last week.”

After his haka posts, Marler deactivated his X account before making a dramatic return to the platform.

Returning to the site, he 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.”

A follow up post also read: “Also needed to satisfy my narcissism.”

England’s rugby league players went head-to-head with Samoa during a tense haka before their match on Sunday.

Harlequins star Marler was also involved in England’s ‘V’ formation response to the haka at the 2019 World Cup.

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He was told to move back after crossing the halfway line, with England subsequently fined £2,000.

Marler’s original haka views have been supported by talkSPORT co-host Ally McCoistwho believes it gives teams a ‘psychological advantage’.

The former Scotland striker debated Marler’s comments with Alan Brazil on Breakfast.

McCoist explained: “He’s right. Because whether we like it or not, the haka, as much as it is good to watch and we all love it, I love watching it, a lot of people would think it would give them a psychological advantage .

“So why should we allow that to happen? Why would anybody in any sporting field allow somebody to get a psychological advantage over you? Joe Marler is right.”

The ex-Rangers forward continued: “In all seriousness, Joe’s right. Why should the opposition, in my opinion, be given an advantage?

“And it is an advantage and by the way, I thoroughly enjoy it, love watching it, I love the way they go about it. I think it’s a fantastic thing but it’s giving them an advantage.

“That is giving them an advantage, of course it is. It’s giving them a psychological advantage to look at their opponent and try to get a headstart on them.

“So Joe is right, they should be able to react in whatever way they want.”