England rugby star Joe Marler has caused controversy after branding New Zealand’s pre-match haka “ridiculous” and saying it “needs binning”.
The 34-year-old prop deactivated his X account following his comments over the All Blacks’ tradition – before later returning to social media and claiming he was “just having a bit of fun”.
England are set to face New Zealand on Saturday in the Autumn Nations Series opener at Twickenham.
Marler, who plays for Premiership Rugby club Harlequins, posted on Tuesday evening: “The haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.
“It’s only any good when teams actually front it with some sort of reply. Like the league boys did last week.”
On Sunday, England rugby league player Mikey Lewis went head-to-head with Samoa’s Gordon Chan Kum Tong amid an intense stand-off during the traditional Siva Tau pre-game war dance.
Marler’s post prompted a backlash from some, with one X user writing: “Have a bit of respect for other cultures.”
While another added: “Ahh Joe. I thought you were one of the good guys. Unfollowed.”
However, there were some messages of support.
One X user agreed, saying: “If they want to do it, do it in the changing room. Totally bored of it.”
While another added: “Agreed, we have to watch that war dance whilst they get all jacked up and psyched up.”
Another user suggested the England team should “do some Morris dancing” to “wind people up”, while another follower branded Marler a “prize wind-up merchant”.
Returning to X on Wednesday morning, Marler posted: “Context is everything. Just having a bit of fun trying to spark interest in a mega rugby fixture. Some wild responses.”
He ended the post with an emoji of a fish on a reel – suggesting he was baiting followers – before adding: “Big love x”.
In a second post, he then wrote: “Also needed to satisfy my narcissism.”
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Marler will not feature in this weekend’s clash but has recovered from a broken foot he sustained during the first Test against the All Blacks in July to make the wider squad.
In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.
England were fined £2,000 in 2019 after contravening the rule ahead of the World Cup semi-final, with Marler going across the line as the team lined up in a V shape.
The rule about not crossing the halfway line does not apply in rugby league, with responses more common.
The Rugby Football Union said it was not commenting on Marler’s X post.
New Zealand Rugby has been contacted for comment.