Joe Marler to Miss Start of Premiership Season Due to Broken Foot Sustained on England Tour

Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler is set to miss the beginning of the upcoming Premiership season after suffering a broken foot during England’s summer tour in July. The 34-year-old veteran sustained the injury in the first Test against New Zealand, a match England narrowly lost 16-15. Marler was forced off the field just 17 minutes into the game and has been sidelined since.

Marler, who has been a stalwart for both club and country, was seen wearing a protective boot on his left foot during Harlequins’ open training session on Wednesday. Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson confirmed that the prop will be unavailable until at least October as he continues his recovery.

“It’s going to be a 12-14 week injury,” Wilson said. “It’s not the kind of injury where he can come back sooner than expected. We’re looking at a solid three months before he’ll be ready to return.”

The timeline means Marler will miss Harlequins’ season opener against Sale Sharks on 22 September, along with several other crucial early fixtures. The extended absence also puts him in a race against time to be fit for England’s autumn internationals, with head coach Steve Borthwick set to name his training squad in October. England are scheduled to begin their autumn campaign against the All Blacks on 2 November, leaving Marler with little room to regain match fitness.

Despite the setback, Marler remains an important figure for Harlequins as they look to bounce back from a mixed season last year. His experience and leadership will be missed in the early stages of the Premiership campaign, with Quins needing to adapt in his absence.

Wilson added that Marler’s recovery is being closely monitored and that the team is prepared to be patient with his return. “We’re taking it week by week, and today’s assessment should give us more clarity on his progress, but nothing has changed in terms of the initial timeline,” he said.

Marler’s injury highlights the physical toll of England’s summer tour, and the veteran prop now faces the challenge of working his way back to full fitness in what could be a pivotal season for both club and country.