England prop Dan Cole says he was surprised by the timing of Joe Marler's retirement from international rugby union.

Marler announced on Sunday that he had retired from Test rugby after winning 95 caps between 2012 and 2024. Discussing life in the England camp without Marler, Cole noted the place was “quieter”, joking: “I talk to one less person, so I talk to no one.” George Ford is now filling the Marler-shaped void as Cole’s new room-mate.

England prop Joe Marler has retired from international rugby after 95 tests since 2012. The 34-year-old Marler was in the squad for the autumn series but left England’s camp on Monday for personal reasons.

Joe Marler has called time on his international playing career; The prop won 95 caps for England; Marler said: Its time for me to move on. The time has come for me to finally hang up my England rugby boots.