Rugby World hotshot - Joe Marler

March's issue of Rugby World magazine profiles Harlequins and England U18 prop Joe Marler.

Joe Marler is in no doubt as to why he started life as a prop way back in 2003. "I was the short, fat one basically," he says. For Joe, however, Eastbourne rugby club's decision to stick him in with the big boys has worked wonders. Five years later, Marler is coming to the end of his third year with the Harlequins academy ­ where he has signed a contract to join on a full-time basis when he turns 18 in July ­and has been part of the England U18 side since their recent tour of Australia. "It all happened really fast for me last season," the youngster admits. "I still have a long way to go and I know things are going to get tough for me, but I'm really enjoying it." Marler has had a taste of the tough times ahead already. Currently splitting his time between training with the academy side and studying at Richmond College, he has undertaken a few training sessions with the first team this season and says his eyes have been opened. "I used to think being a prop was all about just being a power player, but I've learned a lot from my time here and with England. Scrummaging is my main strength, but I realise the need to get around the park and become a ball-carrier in today's game. "You only have to look at players like Andrew Sheridan and Carl Hayman to see that." Two finer role models you would struggle to find, and Harlequins academy manager Colin Osbourne says Marler is on the right path to emulate them. "Joe has a bit of time ahead of him, but he's definitely on the right track and has the potential to go far. He's strong, but is working on his lines of running and his ball-carrying. "We wouldn't invest in someone if we didn't think that they had a future in the game." VERDICT Andrew Sheridan had better watch his back in the years ahead.