Joe Marler issues public apology for Haka comments after England captain says he 'prodded the bear'

Joe Marler has apologised to New Zealand rugby fans after he called for the Haka to be scrapped.

England prop Marler baited the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's Autumn Nations Series opener at Allianz Stadium by writing on the social media site X on Tuesday night that "The Haka needs binning. It's ridiculous."

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson said that Marler, who left England's camp on Monday for personal reasons and will not face the 2023 World Cup runners-up, could have chosen his words more carefully.

Marler returned to X on Thursday night, and said: "Hey rugby fans. Just wanted to jump on here and say sorry to any New Zealand fans I upset with my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week.

"I meant no malice in asking for it to be binned, just want to see the restrictions lifted to allow for a response without sanction. I'm grateful for the education received on how important the Haka is to the New Zealand culture, and hope others have a better understanding too."

WIN Wales autumn internationals tickets: Just fill in the form here and you'll be entered in the draw for free Wales v Fiji tickets

The apology came after England captain Jamie George said he feared Marler had "prodded the bear" ahead of Saturday's match and provided the All Blacks with extra motivation.

"The Haka was always something I enjoyed watching growing up as a big rugby fan and I've been lucky enough to face it a few times. I love the history of it," George said. "Joe and I, we don't always agree on everything, so we disagree on this certain topic. It's classic Joe if I'm honest.

"He's always been a little bit close to the line with certain social media posts so nothing comes as a surprise with him. We've chatted a little bit this week and I just said, 'cheers mate, thanks very much!'

"It's a conversation that Joe and I actually had the week before - thoughts on the Haka, what can we do back to it, all that kind of thing. I guess he's prodded the bear a little bit."

England are planning a possible response to the All Blacks' famous pre-match ritual as they seek their first win in the fixture at Twickenham since 2012. Eddie Jones' England took on the Haka before their stunning 2019 World Cup semi-final victory by adopting a V-shape formation. Robertson described it as an "awesome" way to face down the war dance.

"We'll have a little chat about it, myself and some of the senior players. But yes, there might be something," George said. "What I love about the Haka at Twickenham is that you hear the noise and the theatre that comes with it.

"It's not just about our reaction. It's the fans' reaction - the cheering and the chanting that goes on with it. That's the stuff that makes rugby special. What I know is you can do what you like to the Haka but fundamentally it's going to come down to how you front up physically against the All Blacks and that's what we've got to focus on."