Joe Marler: Why Are We So Eager to Grow Up? Rugby Star's Playful Parenting
Despite his imposing stature as a former England rugby player, Joe Marler reveals he is a young kid at heart. The 6ft, 18st athlete, now 35, is a father of four and passionately advocates for the joys of childhood play, questioning why society is so quick to abandon it.
Embracing the Inner Child
"Why are we so quick to lose being a kid – why are we so desperate to become adults?" Marler asks. He reflects that adulthood often falls short of expectations, noting, "You think it'll be so much more fun when you become an adult, and when you become one you go, well no, it was more fun being a kid with no responsibilities." For Marler, play offers a precious chance to revisit that carefree spirit, describing it as "really great fun" for everyone.
Life After Rugby and Family Focus
Since retiring from rugby in November 2024, Marler has kept busy with various projects. He reached the final episode of Celebrity Traitors in late 2025 and previously hosted the podcast Joe Marler's Things People Do, though he ended that in October. "I'm here, there and everywhere, really," he says, emphasizing authenticity in his work choices. "I'm still trying to figure out what work is, having spent the last 17 years being able to say I'm a rugby player."
However, one role he is unequivocal about is playing with his children: Jasper, 12, Maggie, 10, Felix, 6, and Pixie, 4, whom he shares with his wife, Daisy. "When I get the chance, that's my role," he explains. "If I'm not away working, I try and make the most of it with them. And it's just the best way to spend time with them, engaging in play."
Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Play
Marler dismisses old-school gender norms, engaging equally with his daughters and sons. "I'm not that old-school type where I go 'I can't engage with you and your Barbies and the imaginary play that you see'. I'm all over that," he insists. He joins in dancing, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and other activities, prioritizing connection over convention. "It's just about connecting with all of them. I love them," he adds.
While he admits to being "a bit rougher" with his eldest son due to shared interests like wrestling and trampolining, Marler's approach is inclusive and heartfelt.
LEGO Adventures and Playful Challenges
A recent collaboration saw Marler participate in head-to-head challenges with Celebrity Traitors co-star Mark Bonnar, using LEGO Star Wars SMART Play technology. "It was so much fun," he declares. "Honestly, I turned into more of a big kid than I actually am." The experience not only rekindled his playful side but also earned him "brownie points" with his LEGO-obsessed sons.
He notes that his youngest daughter, Pixie, enjoys LEGO briefly before moving on, leading to the common parental hazard of stepping on bricks. "I do it all the time, all the blooming time," Marler chuckles, seeing it as a sign of his son's play.
Making the Most of Family Time
During the Easter school break, Marler and his wife are busy scheduling activities to keep the children occupied. From football camps to padel, a racket sport Marler loves, they strive to "make the most of the time you've got them." He emphasizes, "It's important that they go to school, but it's even more important that you actually make connections with them on a human level outside of it all."
A wooden playhouse in their garden, erected with help from his builder brother-in-law, has become a family favorite. "It's stronger than the house is, but the kids love it, and we just love it too," Marler says. He reflects on the delicate balance of joining in play without disrupting it, concluding, "It's probably always more fun without me anyway."
