In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, England prop Joe Marler has ignited a firestorm of controversy by advocating for the elimination of the iconic haka ritual performed by the New Zealand All Blacks before their matches. The veteran front-rower’s bold stance comes mere days before England’s highly anticipated showdown with the All Blacks this Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Marler, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge rugby norms, took to social media to express his provocative opinion. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 34-year-old declared, “The haka needs binning. It’s ridiculous.” He followed up this initial volley by asserting that the pre-match war dance only holds merit when opposing teams mount a direct response, referencing a recent instance involving a rugby league side.
Backlash and Account Deletion
As news of Marler’s controversial stance spread like wildfire across rugby circles and beyond, the seasoned prop found himself at the center of a maelstrom of criticism. Fans, pundits, and fellow players alike took umbrage at his perceived disrespect for the deeply ingrained Maori tradition. Faced with an onslaught of disapproval, Marler made the decision to delete his X account altogether, effectively retreating from the virtual battlefield he had unwittingly created.
England’s Haka History and Fines
Marler’s comments carry added weight given his personal history with the haka. In 2019, the prop found himself at the center of another haka-related controversy when England was fined for breaching regulations by crossing the halfway line during the All Blacks’ pre-match ritual at the Rugby World Cup semi-final. Marler himself was one of the players who overstepped the boundary, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his current stance.
The haka is more than just a pre-match ritual; it’s a sacred tradition that embodies the very essence of New Zealand rugby and Maori culture. To suggest scrapping it is to disregard the deep-rooted significance it holds for so many.
– Rugby commentator and former All Black, Jeff Wilson
Selection Snub and RFU Silence
Notably absent from the England squad named for the impending clash with the All Blacks, Marler’s provocative comments have not elicited any official response from the Rugby Football Union (RFU). The governing body has declined to weigh in on the matter, leaving Marler’s stance to be debated and dissected in the court of public opinion.
As the rugby community grapples with the fallout from Marler’s controversial call to scrap the haka, all eyes turn to Saturday’s monumental encounter between England and New Zealand. Will the All Blacks’ traditional war dance take on an even greater significance in light of this latest challenge to its place in the sport? Or will Marler’s comments be drowned out by the roar of the crowd and the intensity of the on-field battle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the spotlight on this iconic rugby ritual has never been brighter.
- The haka, a traditional Maori war dance, has been an integral part of New Zealand rugby since 1888.
- England’s fine for breaching haka protocols in 2019 amounted to a reported £2,000.
- New Zealand has won 33 of the 42 matches played against England, with England winning just 8 times.
As the rugby world awaits the upcoming clash between two titans of the sport, the debate surrounding the haka’s place in the modern game rages on. Marler’s comments have reignited a conversation that has simmered beneath the surface for years, with proponents on both sides passionately arguing their case. Whether this latest controversy will lead to any tangible changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the haka, and the traditions it represents, will continue to be a topic of fierce discussion for years to come.
