Wednesday 24 August 2016 09:59, UK
Harlequins prop Joe Marler says physical and mental exhaustion forced him to pull out of England's summer tour of Australia.
Marler asked not to be selected for the trip Down Under, where Eddie Jones' men pulled off a stunning 3-0 series victory.
He admits he was mentally exhausted and lost his love of the game after a gruelling season in which he twice found himself in hot water. The first time was over his 'gypsy-gate' comments to Wales start Samson Lee, and the second when he kicked Grenoble's Arnaud Heguy in the head.
"It had been coming for a good while," told several British newspapers. "Last year was physically pretty tough and, mentally even tougher."
Marler was driving home from an England training session just two weeks before the flight to Australia when he made his mind up.
"I was driving back and I was like 'I don't want to be here'," he said. "I just didn't have it in me. It was tough - but not enjoyable tough. I've always enjoyed a challenge, but I was just giving up then.
"I told Eddie the following day and he was really good about it, wished me luck and that was it. I feel like I could be honest with him.
"I wouldn't want to be running around the field with someone who is there just to pick up a pay cheque. What's the point? People don't want to watch a player who is there not giving their all."
Fully refreshed, Marler is looking forward to next week's Aviva Premiership curtain-raiser with newly-promoted Bristol.
"I haven't been this excited for a while," he said.
