Joe Marler has revealed the anxiety caused by knowing he must report for England duty has previously driven him to think about extreme avoidance measures
Marler unexpectedly announced his international retirement last week in order to spend more time with his family but the 28-year-old prop is to continue playing for his club Harlequins.
It was in the aftermath of a defeat at Bristol on September 22 that he finally decided his 59-cap Test career was over, knowing he had walked a self-created disciplinary tightrope for too long.
For full context of what @JoeMarler actually said in his candid and honest interview on @TheRugbyPod about how his anxiety manifested itself in irrational behaviour that led to him getting banned. t.co/pa5MRkmMGp
The day after the 20-13 loss at Ashton Gate, Marler phoned coach Eddie Jones to inform him of the news as England were gathering for a three-day camp ahead of the autumn series.
“First of all, the Bristol game, I played like an absolute helmet, which often happened around England time,” Marler told The Rugby Pod.
“That sort of mindset manifested….the anxiety I’d get about having to leave and go away again would start to manifest in giving away even more dull penalties and looking for outs.
Anxiety can cause many physical, behavioural and psychological difficulties and State of Mind would like to thank Joe for his honesty
Check out this link for more information about anxiety www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/anxiety