Joe Marler reactivates account after saying NZ hack should be cancelled

England rugby star Joe Marler has hit back at his claim that the haka is “ridiculous” and “needs binning”.

The England prop sparked debate on the traditional Maori dance on Tuesday by calling for it to be scrapped.

3

3

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

England take on the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday and will face the haka before kick-off.

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

In a post on X, he wrote: “Haka needs binning. It’s funny.”

The 34-year-old doubled down in a second post, adding: “It’s only good when teams actually respond to it. Like the (rugby) league guys last week.”

After the hack was posted, Marler deactivated his X account before abruptly returning to the platform.

Returning to the site, he said, “Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun trying to drum up interest in a mega rugby match. Some crazy answers. 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 in a tense pre-match haka on Sunday.

Harlequins star Marler also participated England’s ‘V’ formation response to the hack at the 2019 World Cup.

3

He was told to step back after crossing the halfway line and England subsequently fined him £2,000.

The original views of the Marler haka were supported by the talkSPORT co-host Ellie McCoistwho believes it gives teams a “psychological advantage”.

Former Scotland forward discussed Marler’s comments with Alan Brazil over breakfast.

McCoist explained: “He’s right. Because whether we like it or not, haka, even though it’s good to watch and we all love it, I love watching it, a lot of people will think it’s going to give them a psychological advantage.

“So why should we let this happen? Why would anyone in any sport allow someone to gain a psychological advantage over you? Joe Marler is right.”

The ex-Rangers forward continued: “Seriously, Joe is right. Why, in my opinion, should the opponent be preferred?

“And that’s an advantage, and by the way, I really like it, I like watching it, I like the way they do it. I think it’s a fantastic thing, but it gives them an advantage.

“It gives them an advantage, of course, yes. This gives them a psychological advantage to look at their opponent and try to get a head start on them.

“So Joe is right, they should be able to react however they want.”